Abu Sayeed murder: Six at ICT as BTV prepares live verdict coverage
The International Crimes Tribunal is set to announce its verdict on Thursday in the crime against humanity case concerning the murder of Abu Sayeed, a student at Begum Rokeya University and recognised as the first martyr of the 2024 mass uprising.
The judicial panel of Tribunal-2, chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, will deliver the verdict on Thursday, April 9. Bangladesh Television (BTV) will broadcast the verdict live, confirmed Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam.
Six of the 30 individuals charged in connection with the killing have been arrested and are currently in custody. They were presented before the tribunal ahead of today's proceedings. The accused in detention include: Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain
Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Begum Rokeya University Proctor Shariful Islam,
former General Secretary of the banned Chhatra League's Begum Rokeya University unit Emran Chowdhury Akash, Begum Rokeya University Assistant Registrar Rafiul Hasan Russell, and Begum Rokeya University employee Anwar Parvez Apel.
The remaining 24 accused, among them former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University Md Hasibur Rashid, remain at large.
The investigation report into Abu Sayeed's death was submitted to prosecutors on June 26, 2025. The complaint was formally filed with the tribunal and accepted on June 30. Charges were framed against all 30 accused on 6 August, and the trial commenced with opening statements on August 27.
On January 27, 2026, following concluding arguments from both the state and defence teams, the case was kept pending for a verdict (CAV). The tribunal had subsequently scheduled April 9 for the announcement on March 5.
State prosecutors Mohammad Mizanul Islam and Gazi MH Tamim led the prosecution's arguments. Defence representation was provided by lawyers Aminul Gani Tito, Azizur Rahman Dulu, and others. For the absconding accused, state-appointed lawyer Sujad Mia represented their interests, following the tribunal's appointment of four legal aid counsel on 22 July, 2025.
Abu Sayeed was killed on July 16, 2024, during the anti-discrimination student movement, an event that galvanised public sentiment and intensified protests across Bangladesh. His death became a pivotal moment in what became known as the July Movement, ultimately contributing to the ousting of the Awami League-led government in a student and public uprising on August 5, 2024.
Today's verdict marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of accountability for crimes committed during that period of political unrest. Legal observers note that the tribunal's decision could have broader implications for ongoing cases related to the 2024 uprising.
All parties are expected to adhere to the tribunal's procedures regarding appeals or further legal recourse following the announcement.