Family seeks fresh trial

Family members of Abidur Rahman, a student of Chattogram Medical College who was tortured to death eight years ago, yesterday demanded fresh trial of the murder case.

In a press conference at Chattogram Press Club, his elder brother Zillur Rahman alleged that Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders and activists of CMC took Abidur to its Chhatra Sangsad office on October 19, 2011.

“They beat him mercilessly there,” he said, adding, “When my brother became unconscious, they handed him over to one of Abidur’s friends who took him to our Chawk Bazar residence in the city.”

“They [BCL activists] even hindered his treatment process at Chattogram Medical College Hospital,” said Zillur. But their efforts did not succeed in the wake of protests by his classmates and general students, he added.

Abidur succumbed to his injuries in the ICU of CMCH on October 21, said Zillur.

On October 23, Abidur’s uncle Niamat Ullah filed a murder case with Panchlaish Police Station against 22 people. The investigation officer on February 24, 2012 pleaded to the court to exempt 10 accused saying that their involvement in this incident was not found, said Zillur.

He further said they could not continue to look after the case progress due to threats from the accused.

Later, a Chattogram court framed charge against 12 accused. The court acquitted all the accused on July 10 this year, he said.

Abidur’s sister Morsheda Yasmin said murders like that of Abrar [at Buet] would not have taken place if justice had been done over Abidur killing. She sought the prime minister’s intervention in the issue.

“We were stunned by the judgment,” Zillur continued. “We will appeal to the higher court.”

In reply to a question, Abidur’s mother Syedunnesa said his son was not involved in any political activity.