The police is hiding a case and investigation regarding the shooting death of university student Abu Saeed in Rangpur during the quota reform movement in government jobs. Even after 10 days of the incident, the local police administration did not clarify the matter. The work of their investigation committee is also going on in Dhimetal. The name of a sub-inspector (SI) as the accused in the shooting incident has surfaced on social media, but he is not available. Rangpur Metropolitan Police officials are reluctant to give information about him.
On July 16, Abu Saeed was shot and killed in front of Begum Rokeya University. The next day, a case was registered in Tajhat Police Station of Rangpur Metropolitan.
Plaintiff Tajhat Police Station (Berobi) Police Camp Incharge SI Bibhuti Bhushan Roy. The case was filed under Sections (143/18/6/332/333/353/379/435/427/302/34) of the Penal Code. According to the description, illegal mob armed with common/lethal weapons obstructing public works causing grievous hurt, theft, vandalism, damage, arson and killing of innocent students. Although no one has been named as the accused, it is said that these are 2-3 thousand agitating student miscreants. They are also accompanied by BNP and Jamaat-Shibir supporters.
It is said in the case about the incident, at that time the entire university area turned into a battlefield. At one point, a student was seen falling on the road as the protesters pelted bullets and bricks from different directions. Then his classmates caught him and took him to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment where the doctor on duty declared him dead. The dead student’s name is Abu Saeed (23). His father is Maqbul Hossain and his house is in Babanpur Jafarpara of Pirganj, Rangpur.
Ordinary students say that Abu Saeed was shot dead by the police during the quota reform movement, but there was no clear case regarding this murder. On the contrary, the police blamed the protestors by covering their own fault. Question of the students – the incident of shooting in the chest that was seen by the whole world on social media, is it a lie! Moreover, the agitating students did not have firearms, as the video will prove.
Students, teachers and eyewitnesses of Begum Rokeya University spoke to Samakal. They said that Abu Saeed participated in the procession with the students on July 16 at noon. He was one of the coordinators of the university in the quota reform movement. He led the procession from the front. When the protest march of students from various educational institutions tried to enter Begum Rokeya University campus, they were stopped by police and Chhatra League activists. At one point students clashed with them. The university area became a battlefield. At that time, the police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and several rounds to disperse the students. Abu Saeed stood alone and tried to face it. Police fired at Abu Saeed who raised his chest. He was shot and fell on the ground. When he was taken to Rangpur Medical, the doctor declared him dead. Doctors said that Saeed had hundreds of bullet wounds in his body.
Abdus Safi, student of Begum Rokeya University in the movement and classmate of Abu Saeed, Md. Ripon and Md. Shihab said, ‘now everywhere there is discussion about the incidents of vandalism and arson. However, no one is saying anything about how many fresh lives were lost in front of the eyes, including Abu Saeed. It’s sad. Although the police shot dead Abu Saeed in public, there was no clear case in this regard. Condemning the nationwide devastation surrounding the quota reform movement, they said, ‘Those involved in this incident should be punished. However, the killers of the dead students including Abu Saeed should be brought under the law.
When Abu Saeed was taken to the hospital, he was the teacher of the Bengali department of the university. Tuhin Wadud. He said, “There were hundreds of bullet injury marks on Saeed’s body, including hands, chest, back, and face.” Blood was leaking from the back of the head. Demanding justice for the police who mutilated Saeed’s body, he said, ‘The incident of the police hiding the matter is mysterious. People want to know what punishment has been given to that police officer.’
University mass communication and journalism department teacher Tabiur Rahman Pradhan said, ‘Abu Saeed’s death has shaken the world. However, there is no clear case in this case. The university authorities have not filed a specific case regarding this murder. We are disappointed. We want justice for killing students.’
Abu Saeed’s father Maqbul Hossain said, ‘We are poor people. I do not have the financial or social status to litigate. My son is not in the world. I want the son’s murderer to be brought to justice.’ He commented that ‘even if no one does, Allah will surely judge’.
The police formed a five-member investigation committee to investigate the incident of Abu Saeed’s death and the clash at the university gate. The head of the committee is Rangpur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Administration) Saykuzzaman Farooqui. The committee has been asked to report within seven working days. But even after 10 days of the incident, the committee could not report.
In this regard, Saifuzzaman Faruqi said, ‘The investigation is at the end. The report can be submitted by next Sunday. He said, “In the case of Abu Saeed’s death, action will be taken against the policeman or anyone else who is found guilty.” He said that the investigation is going on after seeing the video.
Meanwhile, the university authorities management studies department professor Dr. A three-member investigation committee was convened by Matiur Rahman. The committee has been asked to report on this at the earliest. But they also could not submit the report till now. The head of the committee said, ‘Investigation is ongoing, report will be submitted soon.’
Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner. Moniruzzaman said, ‘Police has dealt with the situation in Rangpur with patience. About 150 people have been arrested in 14 cases so far. Criminals have been identified in various ways, including watching TV footage.’ Regarding the death of Abu Saeed, he said, ‘The investigation committee has been formed immediately after the incident of the conflict. According to the report, action will be taken against whoever is responsible for the incident.
The investigating officer of the case, SI Zillur Rahman of Tajhat police station said, ’13 people have been arrested so far. All of them are local BNP-Jamaat leaders and activists. The operation continues.’
The name of SI Yunus Ali has appeared on social media as the accused in the shooting of Abu Saeed. Despite many efforts, he was not found until yesterday Friday. His phone is off. Rangpur Metropolitan Police officials also refused to give information about him. However, it is known that his village home is in Dangapara village of Srirampur Union, bordering India in Patgram upazila of Lalmonirhat. He lives with his family in Rangpur city due to his job. After the incident, people from the police intelligence agency went to his village house and collected information.
Yunus Ali’s nephew Jewel Rana said, ‘My uncle is a victim of conspiracy. Someone else of his look could be involved in this shooting incident.’
Abu Saeed was the only university educated child of his parents. He was the only one among 9 brothers and sisters who continued his education. Abu Saeed passed the SSC with a GPA of 5 from the local Khalashpi Bimukhi High School. Later, after passing HSC from Rangpur Government College with the same result, Begum Rokeya University enrolled in the English department. He was a 12th batch student of this department.
Begum Rokeya University (Berobi) administration has provided financial assistance to the family of Abu Saeed, a student killed in the Berobi quota reform movement. Yesterday, Berobi’s delegation handed over a check of Tk 7.5 lakh to Abu Saeed’s parents. At that time Abu Saeed’s old father Maqbul Hossain said, ‘Abu Saeed was a piece of my liver. My family was supported by his private tuition money. It’s all over now.’ University Proctor Shariful Islam, Head of Department of Bengali Professor Dr. Tuhin Wadud, General Secretary of Teachers Association Asaduzzaman Mondal Asad and others were present at this time.
Proctor Shariful Islam said, ‘The university administration is in touch with Abu Saeed’s parents on the instructions of the VC. VC sir himself is looking for Saeed’s family, he has promised to stand by the family. As a part of this, financial assistance of 7.5 lakh rupees has been provided. This cooperation will continue.’