Bangladesh: Two Former Police Officers Sentenced to Death for Landmark July Uprising Murder of Abu Sayyed
DHAKA — In a landmark judgment, the International Crimes Tribunal-2 of Bangladesh has sentenced two former police officers to death for the murder of Abu Sayyed, a student at Begum Rokeya University who became the first martyr of the July uprising.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday by a three-member bench led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The two convicts receiving the capital punishment are former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Amir Hossain and former Constable Sujan Chandra Roy. Both individuals are currently in custody.
The Verdict and the Accused
The tribunal found the officers guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with the fatal shooting of Abu Sayyed during the anti-discrimination student movement in 2024.
Out of the 30 individuals accused in this high-profile case, six are presently detained. In addition to the two sentenced to death, the court addressed the roles of:
Shariful Islam: Former Proctor of Begum Rokeya University.
Rafiul Hasan Russell: Former Assistant Registrar.
Anwar Parvez: Former contractual employee of the Registrar's office.
Imran Chowdhury (Akash): A leader of the now-banned student organization, Chhatra League.
While these six were present in court, 24 other defendants remain at large, including the former Vice-Chancellor of the university, Md. Hasibur Rashid, and several high-ranking former officials of the Rangpur Metropolitan Police (RPMP).
A Turning Point in the Revolution
Abu Sayyed was killed on July 16, 2024, in Rangpur. His death became a catalyst for the nationwide revolution after footage of the incident went viral. The video, which showed Sayyed standing defiantly with his arms outstretched while police fired repeatedly at his chest, sparked unprecedented public outrage and shifted the momentum of the student protests.
The investigation agency submitted its report on June 24 last year, naming 30 individuals. Formal charges were framed on August 6, and the trial officially commenced on August 27 with testimony from Abu Sayyed’s father, Maqbul Hossain.
Fugitives from Justice
The tribunal has issued directives regarding the 24 fugitives, who include several university professors and security personnel. Among the prominent names still evading arrest are:
Md. Moniruzzaman: Former Commissioner of RPMP.
Md. Abu Maruf Hossain: Former Deputy Commissioner of RPMP.
Pomel Baruah: Former President of the university’s Chhatra League unit.
The court's decision marks a significant step toward accountability for the violence used against student protesters during the 2024 uprising. The proceedings were broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV), reflecting the immense national interest in the case.
