Rangpur, June 27 (V7N) — An international tribunal’s investigative agency has found the involvement of 30 individuals in the killing of Abu Saeed, a student at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, recognized as the first martyr of July’s mass uprising. The agency submitted its report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office last Tuesday. Formal charges are scheduled to be filed at International Crimes Tribunal‑2 next Sunday, marking the fourth such investigation since the interim government initiated war-crime trials.
 
Of those implicated, eight are police officers, while the remainder include student-league activists, university faculty, and administrative staff. Four suspects are currently in custody.
 
The report alleges that Sheikh Hasina ordered the shooting of Saeed, who, on July 16, was shot at close range by police. Saeed reportedly succumbed to his injuries—his chest and upper body were peppered with shotgun pellets—before reaching the hospital. The autopsy report was reportedly altered six times under duress by individuals closely tied to the ousted Awami League government.
 
Chief Prosecutor Mizanul Islam, speaking on Thursday, confirmed receipt of the report and said the prosecution is now “verifying evidence before officially filing charges” next Sunday, after which formal trial proceedings will begin.
 
However, Saeed’s family members and classmates have rejected the investigation, claiming the agency delivered a biased report compiled without public hearings or eyewitness testimony. His elder brother, Abu Hossain, expressed concern that, despite repeated delays, a lack of eyewitness statements casts doubt on whether justice can truly be achieved.
 
On Wednesday, students staged a full-day protest in front of the Begum Rokeya University administrative building. University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shawkat Ali said, “Before submitting the report, it was essential to consult eyewitnesses and university authorities,” indicating that this did not take place.
 
The coming week will be crucial as the Tribunal considers whether to accept the report and proceed with trials seeking accountability in the first killing associated with last year’s uprising.
 
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