Bangladesh opens murder trial of key student protester

Bangladesh opened on Monday the murder trial of student protester Abu Sayeed, whose killing last year escalated demonstrations nationwide that ultimately ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

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Sayeed died aged 23 in the northern city of Rangpur, the first student demonstrator killed in the police crackdown on protests.

Footage of his last moments on July 16, 2024 — standing with his arms outstretched before he was shot at close range — was shown repeatedly on Bangladesh television after Hasina’s downfall.

Prosecutors at Bangladesh’s war crimes tribunal have charged 30 people in connection with the killing.

Only four are in custody — two police officers, a university official and a student leader — with arrest warrants issued for the remaining 26.