Allegations of VC's involvement in Abu Sayeed murder, sensational testimony at tribunal

Allegations of the involvement of the then Vice Chancellor (VC) of Rangpur's Begum Rokeya University, Md. Hasibur Rashid, in the murder of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the July mass uprising, have emerged. The statement of the investigating officer of the case, Ruhul Amin, revealed information that gave a new dimension to the case.

On Monday, the investigating officer testified for the third day against 30 people, including the then VC of Begum Rokeya University, in the Abu Sayeed murder case. In his statement given to the International Crimes Tribunal, he said that during the movement, the then VC Hasibur Rashid took a stand against the quota reform and anti-discrimination movement of innocent students and the public.

The investigation officer said that despite being in charge of maintaining law and order at the university, VC Hasibur Rashid did not take any effective measures to stop the illegal activities of the accused during the movement. On the contrary, due to his passive role, the situation became more dire, which ultimately paved the way for Abu Sayeed's death.

The statement also mentioned that the then Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Moniruzzaman harassed the protesting students and public by filing false cases. The investigation also revealed that attempts were made to suppress the movement and create fear through these activities.

Six accused are currently under arrest in the case filed on charges of crimes against humanity in the Abu Sayeed murder. One of them is the then Proctor of Begum Rokeya University, Shariful Islam. The investigation officer also raised serious allegations about his role.

Ruhul Amin said that despite being in charge of maintaining law and order at the university, former Proctor Shariful Islam did not take any steps to prevent the illegal activities of the other accused. Rather, he incited and assisted in the killing of Abu Sayeed and the serious injury of other students.

The statement also states that Rokeya University Chhatra League President Pomel Barua incited and directly assisted in the killing of Abu Sayeed and the serious injury of others. The investigating officer said that Pomel Barua himself slapped Abu Sayeed on July 11 last year.

Finally, the investigating officer mentioned that former Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the police Amir Hossain and former constable Sujan Chandra Roy shot and killed Abu Sayeed. After all this information from the case was presented in court, new discussions and reactions have started about the incident.