ICT team visits Abu Sayed killing spot in Rangpur, meets witnesses

A 12-member investigation team led by Barrister SM Moinul Karim, prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), visited Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) yesterday to investigate the killing of Abu Sayed, a student of the English Department.

Abu Sayed was fatally shot by police on July 16 during a student movement against discrimination near the university campus.

The team started their investigation there with a visit to the Shaheed Abu Sayed Chattar, established in Sayed's memory at Parkermor in front of the university. The team inspected the site where Sayed was shot, reviewed social media footage of the incident, and collected data from the area. They also interviewed eyewitnesses to the event.

Two BRUR students Abrar Shamim and Arman Hossain provided firsthand accounts of the events leading to Sayed's death. The investigation team also held discussions with university journalists in the evening about their progress.

Addressing the media, Barrister Moinul Karim, said, "We are conducting a comprehensive investigation into Abu Sayed's killing and other casualties from the anti-discrimination movement in Rangpur. This case is a priority for the tribunal."

He confirmed that the investigation began last week after the tribunal received the complaint.

Moinul Karim explained that the team was working under the directive of the chief prosecutor and comprised nine investigators and three security officials gathering evidence in Rangpur. He assured that arrest warrants would be issued against those responsible once the findings were conclusive.

Although a case has already been filed under the Penal Code, he clarified that international crimes legislation allows for parallel action.

The team recorded statements from key witnesses, including BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Shawkat Ali, eyewitnesses, and others connected to the incident.