Abrar's killers will get highest punishment: HPM Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured that the killers of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student Abrar Fahad will get the highest punishment.

“He (Abrar) was a son of a normal family. What is the reason behind the brutal and dangerous act like picking up and beating such a brilliant student? We are taking action against them. The highest punishment will be given to them and there’s no doubt about it,” said Sheikh Hasina.

The prime minister came up with the remarks while addressing a press conference about the outcomes of her recent official visits to the USA and India, at Ganabhaban on Wednesday.

Abrar, 21, a second-year student of Buet’s EEE department, was beaten to death allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists of the university unit, at the university’s Sher-e-Bangla Hall on early Monday.

The prime minister said that she had ordered police to arrest the murderers immediately after hearing the news. “I heard the news in the morning and immediately ordered the police to arrest the killers.”

“I ordered police to identify the killers by checking the CCTV footages,” she added.

She also said that criminals are criminals and no matter which political party they belong to.

Sheikh Hasina also questioned the justification of the movement by students when the government is taking action against the offenders.

“Why this movement? The trial (of the offenders) must be held. It is necessary to feel the pain of a mother or a father who lost their children. I understand it as I lost all, my father, mother and brothers,” Sheikh Hasina said.

“I ordered the BCL leaders to expel the men who were involved with the killing.”

'Govt has nothing to do with banning student politics'

Claiming that the government has nothing to do with banning student politics, the prime minister said: “Every university has its own committee and they will take the decision, we will not say anything.”

However, the prime minister also mentioned that ban on the student politics is a call of autocracy.

“I joined student politics. Why I will order the ban on student politics?” asked the Awami League chief.

The prime minister, however, said if the Buet authorities want, they can do it. "They have the Syndicate and a committee. They can do it. We won't interfere in it."

The premier also ordered the law enforcement agencies to check each of the student dormitories of the universities to bring those who have been running torture cells after occupying rooms, to book.

Claiming that there is no politics with Abrar killing, she furthered: “We have to find out the cause behind the student’s killing.”