Dhaka: A Bangladesh court has sentenced two policemen to death for the killing of Abu Sayed, a university student, during the eve of the 2024 uprising that led to the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. The verdict was delivered by the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-2, headed by Justice Nazrul Islam Chowdhury.

According to Anadolu Agency, Sayed was shot at close range by police while protesting an attack on fellow students at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur on July 16, 2024. The incident was captured in video footage and images that circulated widely on social media, sparking nationwide protests across university campuses.

The former assistant sub-inspector Amir Hossain and former constable Sujan Chandra Roy, who were sentenced to death, are currently in custody. Additionally, three other policemen received life imprisonment on charges of crimes against humanity related to the killing, though they remain at large.

Of the 30 accused in the case, 25 received various prison sentences. Among them, former Vice-Chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Md. Hasibur Rashid, was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and is also absconding. The convicted include senior district police officials, university staff, and members of the student wing of Hasina’s Awami League Party, many of whom are yet to be apprehended.

Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5, amid the student-led uprising. The unrest resulted in approximately 1,400 deaths and over 20,000 injuries, as reported by the UN.