Testimony, cross-examination continues in Abu Sayed murder case

The second day of witness testimony has begun in the case filed over the killing of Begum Rokeya University (BRU) student Abu Sayed during the July uprising, with former vice-chancellor Hasibur Rashid and 30 others standing accused. Testimonies are being heard on Sunday at International Crimes Tribunal-2, presided over by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

The trial began on August 28 with the statement of Abu Sayed’s father, Mokbul Hossain. On the same day, AKM Moinul Haque, senior correspondent of NTV posted in Rangpur, also testified. However, his cross-examination remained incomplete. Today, defence lawyers resumed cross-examining journalist Moinul at the start of the proceedings.

Meanwhile, police produced six accused before the tribunal on Sunday morning, transporting them through prison van. They are ASI Amir Hossain, former BRU proctor Shariful Islam, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiqul Hasan Russell and Anwar Parvez.

On July 28, prosecutors concluded arguments on the charges against the 30 accused. The tribunal had taken formal cognisance of the charges on June 30, following submission of the investigation report on June 24. A total of 62 witnesses are scheduled to testify in the case.

The formal trial commenced on August 27 with an opening statement by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. Earlier, on August 6, the tribunal ordered the trial to begin by framing formal charges against the 30 accused. Of these, 24—including the former vice-chancellor of BRU—remain absconding. On July 22, four state-appointed lawyers were assigned to represent them at government expense. Hearings for the absconding accused took place on July 29 and 30, with lawyers Sujat Mia, Mamunur Rashid, Ishrat Jahan, and Shahidul Islam representing various defendants. Additional hearings were held on behalf of three others, with Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, and Salahuddin Regan appearing for them.