RSC demands reopening of DU student Abu Bakr murder case

The Revolutionary Students' Council (RSC), the first student organization formed after the July Uprising, has called for the reopening of the murder case of Dhaka University student Abu Bakr Siddique, who was killed in 2010. 

The demand was made during a press conference held at Madhu’s Canteen on Dhaka University campus on Tuesday afternoon.  

Abu Bakr, a promising student from the Department of Islamic History and Culture, was fatally shot during a police raid at Sir AF Rahman Hall on February 1, 2010. The RSC alleges that the murder was orchestrated by a police team led by then OC of Shahbagh Police Station, Rezaul Karim, and that responsibility was evaded through a "well-crafted scam."  

RSC Central Convener Abdul Wahed presented a nine-point demand for justice, including reopening the case, implicating police and high-ranking officials, compensating Abu Bakr’s family, and erecting a memorial in his honour.  

Nine-point demands:  

1. Reopen the Murder Case: Restart the case with new applications, accused parties, and witnesses.  

2. Implicate Police Members: Add all involved police personnel, including Rezaul Karim, as defendants.  

3. Hold High-Ranking Officials Accountable: Prosecute then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku, IGP Nur Mohammad, DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Haque, and Ramna Zone DC.  

4. Punish University Officials: Hold former DU VC Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Pro-VC Professor Harun-or-Rashid, and Proctor KM Saiful Islam accountable for allowing police entry.  

5. Form a Commission: Establish a special commission to prosecute Chhatra League leaders involved in violence and repression.  

6. Erect a Memorial Monument: Build a monument in front of Sir AF Rahman Hall to honor Abu Bakr.  

7. Compensate the Family: Provide Tk 10 crore in compensation to Abu Bakr’s family.  

8. Facilitate Hajj Pilgrimage: Arrange a VIP Hajj pilgrimage for Abu Bakr’s family at government expense.  

9. Ensure Lifelong Benefits: Offer free medical treatment and public transport passes to Abu Bakr’s family for life.  

Background of the incident 

Abu Bakr, from Tangail, was an active member of Islami Chhatra Shibir and participated in anti-torture student movements. On February 1, 2010, a clash between Chhatra League factions at Sir AF Rahman Hall led to police intervention. Rescued in critical condition, Abu Bakr was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Doctor Shafiul Alam confirmed that he had been shot in the head. Despite efforts to save him, Abu Bakr succumbed to his injuries at 9:20am on February 3, 2010, while receiving treatment in the ICU.

At the press conference, Abdul Wahed mentioned the inspiration of Anisur Rahman, the political head of the new political party National Revolutionary Council, and convener Khomeini Ihsan, to re-examine the murder of Shaheed Abu Bakr Siddique.

Among them, Anisur Rahman was the president of the Dhaka University branch of Islami Chhatra Shibir in 2010. Khomeini Ihsan was the convener of the Students' Movement Against Torture. 

The organizational head of the National Revolutionary Council, Md Shafiur Rahman, member secretary Hasan Mohammad Arif, assistant member secretary Dr Masum Billah and member Mamunur Rashid, RSC member secretary Fazlur Rahman, joint convener of the its Dhaka University unit Golam Noor Shafayetullah and member secretary Muhib Mushfiq Khan and convener of the Islamic University unit Md Ariful Islam, among others, were also present at the press conference.