Before my last breath, I wish to witness fairness for my child
- Update Time : 01:42:32 pm, Thursday, 28 August 2025
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The 85-year-old father of Abu Sayed — a Begum Rokeya University student who was shot dead during police action in Rangpur’s July 2024 student protests — broke down in tears as he testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-2 on Thursday.
“I wish to see justice for my son before I leave this world,” said Mokbul Hossain, serving as the first witness for the prosecution.
He recalled how his dreams for Sayed had been cruelly cut short. “I once hoped to see my son employed in my lifetime. But since they took him away, my only hope now is to live long enough to see justice for his killing.”
Sayed, the youngest of six brothers and three sisters, was killed on July 16, 2024, when police opened fire on student demonstrators in Rangpur. His death became a rallying point for nationwide protests that ultimately led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.
“Hearing of Sayed’s death felt as though the sky had collapsed on me,” Mokbul said, his voice choked with grief.
Of the 30 accused in the crimes against humanity case linked to Sayed’s killing, 24 are still at large, though the tribunal has decided to proceed with the trial in their absence.
