Hasnat Abdullah, the southern chief organizer of the Jatiya Nagorik Party, appeared before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 today to give important testimony in the crimes against humanity case in the murder of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed. She is the 22nd witness in the case.
The tribunal headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury is taking his statement on Tuesday.
Six people have been arrested so far in the case – ASI Amir Hossain, former university proctor Shariful Islam, constable Sujan Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leaders Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Russell and Anwar Parvez.
The case has seen the testimony of multiple witnesses, including students, eyewitnesses and police officers, over the past few weeks. They have provided various details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, the order to open fire, the injured Sayeed being taken to hospital, and subsequent police action.
After the appointment of a state-appointed lawyer on July 22, the hearing for the 24 absconding accused is underway; a total of 30 people have been named as accused in the case. The formal hearing began in August after the charges were taken into consideration on June 30. The total number of witnesses is 62.
The tribunal’s trial into the murder of Abu Sayeed, known as the ‘first martyr’ of the July Movement, is now gaining momentum.