The verdict in Jahangirnagar University student Zubair Ahmed murder case has been deferred to February 8.
Speedy Trial Tribunal 4 passed the order as the accused could not be produced before the court on Wednesday on security grounds.
Acting Special Public Prosecutor of the tribunal Taslima Yasmin Dipa said: “We were prepared for the verdict but police high officials have informed us that the accused in the case could not be produced before the court because of the ongoing hartal and blockade.”
The trial began on November 18, 2013 with the deposition of the plaintiff, Hamidur Rahman, then deputy registrar of the university. The court recorded depositions of 27 out of 37 prosecution witnesses including the investigation officer in the case.
Of the 13 accused in the case – all leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League’s student wing – seven are in jail. Of the others, four fled from the courtroom on February 23 last year after their bails had been cancelled while two others remained absent during the proceedings.
Zubair, a former Chhatra League activist, succumbed to his injuries on January 9, 2012 at United Hospital in the city. He was beaten and stabbed indiscriminately the previous afternoon on the campus by the accused and their aides. The killers first took him to Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar and left him there with severe injuries.
Following the incident, the university authorities filed a murder case with Ashulia police.