Abu Sayeed murder: Final report submitted to ICT

The investigation agency has submitted its final report to the prosecution of the International Crimes Tribunal in connection with the murder of Abu Sayeed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. Sayeed was shot dead during the July 2024 mass uprising amid protests over government job quotas.

The report implicates 30 individuals in the killing, including former law enforcement officials and political activists.

Tribunal sources confirmed that the formal charge sheet may be submitted to the prosecution on Thursday. Earlier, on June 15, the tribunal ordered the submission of the investigation report by July 14 and scheduled June 26 for a hearing.

The three-member bench of the tribunal, led by Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mojumder, issued the directive.

Representing the prosecution were Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam, along with prosecutors Gazi Moinowar Hossain, B.M. Sultan Mahmud, and S.M. Moinul Karim. Defense counsel included Rashedul Haque Khokon and Delwar Hossain Sohel.

On April 9, the tribunal ordered the production of four accused individuals and directed that the report be filed by June 15.

According to the prosecution, Abu Sayeed was killed by police gunfire during a student-led anti-discrimination movement. Former Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain and Constable Sujon Chandra Roy were directly involved in the shooting, the report claims. University Proctor Shariful Islam and Chhatra League activist Imran Chowdhury Akash allegedly incited the violence and aided the attackers.

All four primary suspects were already in custody for separate cases.

Sayeed's killing on July 16, 2024, during protests in Rangpur, sparked national outrage after video footage surfaced showing him being shot with both hands raised. The incident triggered widespread demonstrations, culminating in a nationwide "complete shutdown" from the following day.

Despite imposing curfew on July 19, the government failed to quell the unrest. Massive protests, deaths, and destruction of public property ultimately led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, ending a 15-and-a-half-year tenure. Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana reportedly fled to India.

Government sources estimate around 850 people were killed during the uprising. Legal proceedings are now underway against members of the former regime and law enforcement officials accused of human rights violations. The cases are being brought before the International Crimes Tribunal, originally established in 2010 by the Awami League to prosecute war crimes from the 1971 Liberation War.