Seven years on, Abrar’s family still waits for execution of verdict

A Dhaka court in December 2021 sentenced 20 people to death and five others to life imprisonment in the sensational murder case that sparked huge outcry across the coutnry.

The High Court upheld the sentences on March 16, 2025.

However, the judicial process has not yet reached its final stage as appeals against the High Court verdict remain pending before the Appellate Division.

Abrar’s family said although verdicts have been delivered at two levels of the judiciary, their wait for the case to reach its conclusion continues.

Abrar’s younger brother Abrar Faiyaz said the killing had a profound impact not only on their family but also on the country’s political and social landscape.

“Fascism’s exit began with Abrar Fahad’s murder. But the trial of those responsible for the killing that contributed to the change in Bangladesh’s political scenario is still unfinished,” he told over the phone.

He said his family contacted the relevant authorities after the High Court verdict in March 2025, but were told that cases are being dealt with according to their serial numbers.

“Cases can be taken up earlier in the serial. But they are hesitant to bring this case forward. We have contacted everyone we needed to. Now there is nothing left for us to do but wait,” he said.

“We do not know what is preventing the execution of the verdict. At this point, it feels like nothing but neglect,” Faiyaz said.

Abrar’s father, Md Barkat Ullah, also expressed frustration over the delay.

“Execution of the verdict against Abrar’s killers is not only my family’s demand; it is the demand of people across Bangladesh. Yet the sentences are not being carried out. I am not the only one disappointed by this — everyone in the country is,” he said over the phone.

“We still have not received complete justice. I appeal to the government to complete the judicial process as soon as possible,” he said.

Barkat Ullah said the family never imagined that their son, a student of one of the country’s premier educational institutions, would be brutally killed in such a manner.

National Citizens Party (NCP) Kushtia district member secretary Sultan Mahmud Talha said the authorities should take steps to execute the court verdict.

“The movement against fascism began with Abrar Fahad’s killing. That system has since been removed, and successive governments are benefiting from the circumstances created by his killing. They should ensure the execution of the sentences,” he said.

Abrar, a student of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at BUET, was beaten to death at Sher-e-Bangla Hall on the night of Oct 6, 2019.

His father filed a murder case with Chawkbazar Police Station. After investigation, police submitted a charge sheet against 25 BUET students on Nov 13, 2019.

After more than two years of trial, a Dhaka court sentenced 20 accused to death and five to life imprisonment on Dec 8, 2021. The High Court later upheld the sentences after hearing the death references and appeals filed by the convicts.

The killing sparked widespread protests and public outrage and prompted renewed debate over student politics, political influence on campuses and violence in residential halls, reports UNB.