“Final Arguments Conclude in Abu Saeed Murder Trial, Court Set to Deliver Verdict Soon”

The trial proceedings in the crimes against humanity case over the killing of Abu Saeed—the first martyr of the July uprising and a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR)—have concluded. International Crimes Tribunal-2 has stated that the verdict may be delivered on any day.

The case was heard by a two-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Member Judge Md. Manjurul Bachid. The other member of the panel is Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar. The tribunal did not fix a specific date for the verdict, leaving it open for announcement at any time.

On Tuesday, following the conclusion of defense arguments, Prosecutor Mizanul Islam presented the prosecution’s rebuttal. Defense lawyers then offered their counter-rebuttals. After the exchange of arguments and counter-arguments, the tribunal concluded the hearing without setting a verdict date.

Earlier, the prosecution’s arguments began on January 21 and concluded on January 25. Over three working days, the prosecution presented a comprehensive account of the case. CCTV footage from the main gate of the Begum Rokeya University campus—recorded on July 16, 2024, at the time of Abu Saeed’s killing—was shown before the tribunal as evidence. Prosecutor Mizanul Islam identified the accused, their locations, and activities based on the video evidence. At the end of the arguments, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment for all 30 accused.

Defense arguments were presented by lawyers Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, Abul Hasan, and other state defense counsels, who pleaded for acquittal of their clients.

Meanwhile, six accused were produced before the tribunal from jail on Tuesday morning. They are ASI Amir Hossain, former BRUR Proctor Shariful Islam, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Anwar Parvez. However, 24 accused—including former BRUR Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid—remain absconding.

The formal trial of the case began on August 27 last year with the prosecution’s opening statement. On August 6, Tribunal-2 framed formal charges against 30 accused. On July 22, four lawyers were appointed as state defense counsels for the absconding accused. The tribunal took cognizance of the case on June 30, while the investigation agency submitted its report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office on June 24.