The murder trial of Abu Sayed will be held, and his father will see justice done, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul on Wednesday.
He made the statement during a memorial event marking the first anniversary of Sayed’s death, assuring that justice would be delivered under the interim government.
The remarks came as officials, students, and family members gathered at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur to lay the foundation for the Martyred Abu Sayeed Archway, Museum, and Memorial Monument.
Makbul Hossain, Sayed’s father, placed the first stone for the project shortly after 11am. A prayer session followed.
Sayed was killed during the July uprising last year, a moment that many here still see as the spark of a wider movement.
“The ideals he stood for—courage, truth, resistance—must become part of our lives,” said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources. “He didn’t back down. And that kind of bravery is what drives real change.”
University Grants Commission Chairman SMA Faiz, Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, and Vice-Chancellor Prof Showkat Ali were also present. Teachers, students, and members of Sayed’s family joined the event.
Earlier in the morning, Vice-Chancellor Ali and others visited Abu Sayed’s grave in Pirganj.
A procession took place on the university campus. More commemorative events, including an art contest and prayer gathering, are scheduled for the evening.
Meanwhile, Adviser Rizwana also spoke about upcoming development projects in the region. She said the government plans to finalize a Tk12,000 crore deal by December for the Teesta River management project.
She added that a full-fledged public hospital is planned for Rangpur and ongoing efforts are in place to re-excavate the Shyamasundari Canal to reduce waterlogging.
Still, for many in attendance, the focus stayed on Abu Sayed.
“He was just a student,” said one attendee quietly. “But he stood up. That’s what we remember.”
