Dhaka, Dec 09 (V7N) – On Tuesday, Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) for southern Bangladesh, is scheduled to testify in the case concerning the murder of Abu Saeed, the first martyr of the July mass uprising and a student of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. His testimony at the International Crimes Tribunal-2 will be heard before a three-member bench chaired by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury, with retired District and Sessions Judge Md. Manjurul Bashid and District and Sessions Judge Nur Mohammad Shahriar Kabir as members.

Abu Saeed’s murder case involves 30 accused, including the former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Hasibur Rashid. Currently, six accused have been arrested: ASI Amir Hossain, former university proctor Shariful Islam, Constable Sujon Chandra Roy, Chhatra League leader Imran Chowdhury, Rafiul Hasan Rasel, and Anwar Parvez. Hasnat Abdullah is set to provide testimony as the 22nd witness.

The trial has seen testimony from 62 witnesses to date. Earlier, on November 27, testimony of the 21st witness was completed. On November 23, a student who had accompanied Abu Saeed to the hospital gave evidence and described how police took the body after his death. Other witnesses have included police officers, students, and movement leaders who detailed the events of July 16, 2023, when Abu Saeed was killed during the protest.

The tribunal formally commenced the case on August 27 with opening statements by Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam. Formal charges against the 30 accused were framed on June 6. Of the 30 accused, 24 remain fugitives, and the government has appointed four lawyers to represent them in court. Hearings for defense and prosecution have continued since July, including multiple testimonies from both witnesses and legal representatives.

The case highlights the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed during the July uprising, with the tribunal systematically recording witness accounts, cross-examinations, and defense arguments to ensure a comprehensive trial process.

The next testimony is expected to provide critical insights from Hasnat Abdullah regarding the events surrounding Abu Saeed’s murder and the involvement of the accused.

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