Trial begins for 30 accused in Abu Sayed murder case

The International Crimes Tribunal-2 has ordered the formal commencement of trial against 30 individuals accused of crimes against humanity in the murder of Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, during the July Uprising.

A three-member panel headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury issued the order on Wednesday (August 6). The trial will proceed against six detained and 24 absconding accused.

Key accused include former Begum Rokeya University Proctor Shariful Islam, former ASI Amir Hossain, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury—all currently in custody.

The prosecution submitted the charge sheet on June 30. The tribunal took cognizance of the charges shortly after and dismissed recent bail applications from defense lawyers.

Abu Sayed was fatally shot by police on July 16 last year at the Park intersection near the university in Rangpur.

The tribunal is also hearing testimonies implicating Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Eyewitness Rina Murmu testified Wednesday as the fourth witness in the case.

I witnessed policemen Amir Hossain and Sujan Chandra shoot Abu Sayeed at the university gate, Rina Murmu said in her statement.

She held former PM Sheikh Hasina, the university administration, and senior police officials responsible. "They must face justice," she said.

Testimony from former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun has also been recorded.