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Published : 28 Aug 2025, 12:54 PM
Mokbul Hossain, the father of Abu Sayed, a student of Rangpur's Begum Rokeya University who was killed during the July Uprising, wants to witness justice for his son's murder during his lifetime.
A three-member bench of International Crimes Tribunal-2, led by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, recorded his testimony on Thursday.
He was later cross-examined by defence lawyers.
The tribunal adjourned the court proceedings for two hours at 1pm, stating that the cross-examination would continue afterwards.
Later, Prosecutor Md Mizanul Islam told reporters: "He [Abu Sayed’s father] named two suspects -- Shujon Chandra Ray and Amir Hossain. He also said Pomel Barua killed his son and choked him.
“He has asked for everyone involved to be brought to justice and wants the trial to be concluded in his lifetime."
During his testimony, Abu Sayed's elderly father broke down in tears while talking about his son's death. The day before, he also cried upon seeing a video of Sayed falling after being shot.
On Wednesday, the formal trial for the murder began with the opening statement by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. He outlined the background of the July–August movement, the crimes against humanity committed, the investigation conducted, and the prosecution’s strategy.
On Jul 16, 2024, police shot Abu Sayed at close range on the road outside Begum Rokeya University during the anti-quota reform protests.
At the time, he was seen holding a stick in one hand and spreading his arms wide, baring his chest. He fell to the ground after being shot.
Viral images and videos of his death ignited nationwide outrage and intensified the movement, eventually pushing deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country for India on Aug 5, 2024.
Investigators submitted their probe report on Jun 24, 2025, and formal charges were accepted on Jun 30. The prosecution concluded the charge framing hearing on Jul 28, and the tribunal set Aug 27 for the opening statement.
Of the 30 suspects listed in the case, 26 remain at large, including the university’s former vice-chancellor, for whom four government-appointed lawyers were assigned on Jul 22.
