Justice Served: Bangladesh HC Imposes Death Sentence on 20 Students Guilty of Unleashing Hatred in 2019 Campus Lynch Mob

Bangladesh High Court Upholds Death Penalty for BUET Students Who Killed Fellow Student Abrar Fahad

The High Court of Bangladesh has reaffirmed the death penalty for 20 students at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who were convicted of brutally lynching their fellow student Abrar Fahad in 2019. The two-judge bench, comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Syed Enayet Hossain, upheld the trial court’s verdict, rejecting the appeals filed by the convicts, who were affiliated with the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League.

Fahad, a second-year electrical and electronics student, was allegedly targeted for posting critical comments on Facebook about government policies. Investigations revealed that he was tortured for nearly six hours using a cricket bat and blunt objects, and his lifeless body was discovered in his dormitory the following morning, shocking the nation. The brutal murder sparked widespread outrage, leading to the immediate expulsion of the accused students by BUET and the BCL.

In addition to the death penalty, the High Court also upheld life imprisonment for five other students involved in the attack. Attorney General M Asaduzzaman hailed the verdict, saying it sent a strong message against such acts of violence. "The ruling reflects the severity of the crime, and it’s a stern warning against such heinous acts," he said.

Fahad’s family was also satisfied with the ruling, but emphasized the need for swift implementation. "We are satisfied with the High Court’s decision, but the verdict must be executed without delay," said Fahad’s father. Fahad’s brother, Faiyaz, welcomed the judgment, acknowledging that many legal steps remained. Defense lawyer Azizur Rahman Dulu, however, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal to the Appellate Division, hoping for a different outcome.

The case took a dramatic turn last year when one of the death row inmates, Muntasir Al Jamie, escaped from the Kashipur Central Jail during political unrest. His absence remains a significant concern, with authorities still trying to locate and apprehend him. The High Court’s verdict highlights the grave consequences of political violence on university campuses, a theme that continues to dominate national discourse.

The ruling can be seen as a reaffirmation of the High Court’s commitment to justice, although the final resolution may still face further legal challenges. The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extreme political rhetoric and the need for accountability.

Original Source: https://nenews.in/neighbours/bangladesh-hc-confirms-death-penalty-for-20-students-in-2019-campus-lynching-case/21775/
Category : Neighbours,Bangladesh High Court,BUET students,death penalty
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Publish Date: 2025-03-16 16:17:00