Death Penalty for Two Cops, Prison for Ex-VC in Historic Abu Sayed Murder Verdict
Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University (BRUR), became a global symbol of resistance after he was shot dead in broad daylight during the July 2024 mass uprising. The tribunal’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the judicial accountability process following the student-led revolution that reshaped the country's political landscape.
The two convicts facing the death penalty have been identified as former Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amir Hossain and former Constable Sujan Chandra Roy. Additionally, the tribunal sentenced the former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Hasibur Rashid, to 10 years in prison for his role and negligence surrounding the incident. The judicial panel also convicted two university teachers, Mashiur Rahman and Asaduzzaman Mondal, along with five leaders of the student wing Chhatra League, including its former president Pomel Barua. Three of the accused received life imprisonment, while the remaining defendants were given various jail terms based on the severity of their involvement in the crime.
The martyrdom of Abu Sayed on July 16, 2024, in Rangpur, was captured in a viral video showing him standing with arms outstretched, facing police fire with immense courage. This imagery acted as a catalyst, igniting a nationwide firestorm of protests that eventually led to the fall of the previous administration. Legal experts and human rights activists have hailed today’s verdict as a victory for the rule of law, noting that the inclusion of academic and administrative officials in the sentencing sets a significant precedent for institutional accountability during civil unrest.
Strict security measures were implemented across the tribunal premises and in the city of Rangpur to prevent any disturbances during the announcement of the verdict. Hundreds of students and supporters of the July uprising gathered near the court, cheering as the news of the death sentences and convictions broke. For the family of Abu Sayed and the millions who participated in the movement, this judgment is seen as the establishment of long-awaited justice. The tribunal emphasized that the nature of the crime—targeting a defenseless student in public view—warranted the harshest possible legal repercussions to ensure such atrocities are never repeated in the history of Bangladesh.
