The High Court has upheld the trial court’s verdict in the Abrar Fahad murder case, sentencing 20 convicts to death and five others to life imprisonment.
The bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain delivered the ruling today (16 March) after reviewing the death references and appeals submitted by the convicts. The court began reading out the verdict at around 11am.
Family’s reaction
Following the verdict, Abrar’s father, Barkat Ullah, expressed satisfaction but urged swift implementation. “We welcome the ruling, but justice must be executed without delay,” he said. He also called for an end to ragging culture in all educational institutions.
Abrar’s brother, Faiyaz, echoed similar sentiments. “We did not expect such a swift verdict from the High Court. While we are satisfied, we are deeply concerned that death-row convict Jamie remains at large.”
Justice and legal responses
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman stated, “This verdict ensures justice for Abrar’s family and the nation. We are pleased with the ruling.”
However, defence lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu expressed disappointment. “We believe justice has not been served. We will appeal to the Appellate Division,” he said.
Background of the case
Abrar, a second-year student of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet), was brutally beaten to death by a group of now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League activists at Sher-e-Bangla Hall on 7 October 2019. His murder sparked nationwide protests and reignited discussions on campus violence.
In response to public outcry, Buet authorities banned all political activities on 11 October 2019 and suspended 19 students involved in the killing.
A Dhaka court sentenced 20 students to death and five others to life imprisonment on 8 December 2021. The case was then forwarded to the High Court for review on 6 January 2022, with hearings commencing on 10 February this year.
Escape of convict muntasir al jamie
A major concern following the verdict remains the escape of death-row convict Muntasir Al Jamie, who broke out of Kashimpur High Security Central Jail on 6 August 2024. Despite ongoing investigations, he remains at large.
The Department of Prisons revealed that Jamie was among 203 inmates who fled that day. Authorities assured that a case regarding his escape was filed with Konabari Police Station on 15 August.
With the High Court upholding the verdict, Abrar’s family and supporters now await the next legal steps, hoping for full justice in the case.