Students at Begum Rokeya University staged a protest Tuesday, rejecting the investigation report submitted in the murder case of fellow student Abu Sayed, who was killed during the 2024 July Movement.
Demonstrators claim the report, which prosecutors received on June 24, was submitted in haste and without a public hearing. They allege that the real offenders are being shielded and that the blame is being shifted toward university members.
According to the report, 30 individuals have been linked to the killing. But many students question the process and outcome.
“He was killed by police gunfire,” one student Sayed during the protest. “Now they’re filing false, polished cases and hiding the real criminals.”
Another student added, “This charge sheet protects powerful people. We reject it. We want justice, not cover-ups.”
Students called for a fair investigation and an open hearing to ensure transparency.
University Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Hasibur Rashid expressed support for the students’ demand. “There’s no disagreement here,” he said. “Those truly involved should be identified and brought to justice. That’s what the nation expects, and that’s what we expect too.”
The July Movement of 2024 marked a tense period of student activism. Abu Sayed is recognized as its first casualty. So far, four people have been held in connection with his death.
The investigation was originally due on July 14, as per instructions from the International Crimes Tribunal’s chair. Submitting the report weeks earlier has sparked concern among students who believe key details were overlooked.
Protests on campus continued late into the afternoon. Students vowed to keep pressing for accountability.
