Full verdict released in Abu Sayed murder case, death penalty upheld

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has published the full judgment in the case over the killing of Abu Sayed during the July uprising in Rangpur, upholding the death sentences of two police personnel.

The verdict, released on Sunday (June 14), confirmed capital punishment for Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain and Constable Sujan Chandra Roy. Other accused in the case were sentenced to varying terms of life imprisonment and rigorous imprisonment.

According to prosecution sources, the certified copy of the full judgment, signed by the judges of Tribunal-2, was issued on June 11 and subsequently submitted to the office of the Chief Prosecutor. The prosecution will now review the verdict to decide whether any party will file an appeal.

Abu Sayed, an English department student at Begum Rokeya University, was killed by police gunfire in Rangpur on July 16, 2024, during the quota reform movement. A video of the incident circulated widely on social media, triggering nationwide outrage and intensifying the protests.

Authorities had imposed a curfew in an attempt to restore order, but the unrest continued. Amid the escalating political turmoil, the government led by then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was eventually toppled on August 5, 2025, nearly three weeks after the incident.