The International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for 26 individuals, including former Begum Rokeya University vice chancellor Hasibur Rashid, in connection with the murder of university student Abu Sayed during last year’s anti-discrimination protests in Rangpur.
The tribunal also took cognisance of the investigation report into the killing.
The order was passed on Monday by the International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Md Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim later confirmed the development.
Earlier on June 15, the tribunal had directed investigators to submit their report by July 14 and fixed June 26 for a hearing on the matter. That order was given by a three-member bench led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar.
Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, along with prosecutors Gazi Monowar Hossain, BM Sultan Mahmud, and SM Moinul Karim, represented the prosecution. Defence lawyers Rashedul Haque Khokon and Delwar Hossain Sohel appeared for the accused.
According to the prosecution, Abu Sayed was shot dead by police during the student-led anti-discrimination movement in Rangpur. Former sub-inspector Amir Hossain and constable Sujon Chandra Roy have been identified as directly involved in the shooting.
The university’s proctor Shariful Islam and Chhatra League activist Imran Chowdhury Akash, along with several others, are accused of aiding and provoking the attack. Four of the accused are already in custody in connection with other cases.
Following the tribunal’s orders, on June 26, the investigation agency submitted its final report to the tribunal’s prosecution. The report implicates a total of 30 individuals in Abu Sayed’s murder.
The incident took place on July 16, 2024, amid protests demanding reform of the government job quota system that had begun earlier that month. Abu Sayed was shot in Rangpur, and video footage showing him being gunned down with his hands outstretched sparked outrage among students and the wider public.