The verdict in the six-student murder case has been postponed once again.

The verdict in the high-profile case concerning the killing of six students at Chankharpul during the July mass uprising in Dhaka has been postponed. The International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Majumder, has now scheduled the delivery of the ruling for 26 January.

The verdict had originally been due today, Tuesday, 20 January, and this case marks the second verdict in connection with the killings that occurred during the July–August 2018 unrest.

Prosecutors have sought the maximum punishment for the eight police officers implicated in the case, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman. The accused are alleged to have played a central role in the violent crackdown on student demonstrators that shocked the nation.

Meanwhile, the tribunal continues to hear other related human rights cases. On Monday, 19 January, victim Hummam Qader Chowdhury testified regarding enforced disappearances and torture that took place in the JIC (Joint Interrogation Cell). During his testimony, he called for fair and impartial justice, including accountability for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration and others associated with the disappearances.

In addition, on the same day, the tribunal issued arrest warrants for 12 individuals, including former MP Shamim Osman, in connection with the killing of 10 people in Narayanganj during the same July uprising. These actions highlight the ongoing legal proceedings addressing multiple violent incidents linked to the 2018 unrest.

Key Dates and Updates – July Student Killings Case

Legal analysts have noted that the postponement is not uncommon in cases of such complexity, given the extensive evidence and multiple accused parties. Observers stress that the forthcoming verdict will be closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it is seen as a critical test of Bangladesh’s commitment to accountability for crimes committed during periods of political unrest.

The families of the victims, as well as human rights advocates, remain hopeful that the tribunal will deliver justice in accordance with international standards, providing closure to the victims’ families while reinforcing the rule of law in Bangladesh.