Rangpur, Apr 09 (V7N) – The family of Abu Sayeed, a martyr of the July Movement, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the verdict in his murder case delivered by the International Crimes Tribunal.

Speaking at Abu Sayeed’s grave on Thursday afternoon, his father, Maqbul Hossain, said, “Only two people were hanged in the trial. Many more criminals should have been punished. I am not satisfied with this verdict. Several accused have been let off who are true criminals. They should have been severely punished.”

He added that by executing only two accused, the main planners and those who gave the orders behind the murder received relatively light punishments. He said the family will decide on the next steps after consulting with their lawyer.

Maqbul Hossain also highlighted the role of Pomel Barua, then president of the Begum Rokeya University Chhatra League, who he said was heavily involved in the murder, noting that Barua received only a 10-year sentence.

The tribunal’s verdict sentenced two former policemen, Assistant Sub-Inspector Amir Hossain and Constable Sujan Chandra, to death. Three others—former Assistant Police Commissioner Arifuzzaman, former Police Inspector Rabiul Islam Nayan, and SI Bibhuti Bhushan Roy—received life imprisonment.

Other convicts received varied jail terms: Begum Rokeya University teachers Mashiur Rahman and Asaduzzaman Mandal, former Vice-Chancellor Hasibur Rashid, and former Rangpur Commissioner Moniruzzaman were sentenced to 10 years. Dr. Sarwat Hossain, former ADC Abu Maruf Hossain, former Additional Police Commissioner Shah Noor Alam Patwari, and former Proctor Shariful Islam received five-year sentences.

Additionally, six former leaders of the banned Chhatra League unit, including Mahafuzur Rahman Shamim, vice-presidents Fazle Rabbi and Akhtar Hossain, and organizing secretaries Sejan Ahmed and Dhananjoy Kumar, were sentenced to three years in prison.

The family’s reaction underscores lingering dissatisfaction with the scope of punishment in this high-profile case involving crimes against humanity.

END/SMA/AJ