Court orders arrest of former Begum Rokeya University VC Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah in attempted murder case

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A Dhaka court on Thursday granted a petition to formally arrest Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, the former vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, in connection with an attempted murder case stemming from the July student-led uprising. The ruling, delivered by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md. Zakir Hossain, follows allegations that the academic was involved in the violence that erupted in the capital’s Uttara West area last year.

The case, initiated on October 14, 2024, by complainant Mustain Billah Sabbir, centers on an incident on July 19. According to court documents, demonstrators were targeted by armed individuals affiliated with the Awami League, Jubo League, and Chhatra League near Rabindra Sarani Road. Sabbir sustained a gunshot wound to his left elbow during the attack and was subsequently treated at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation.

During Thursday’s proceedings, state prosecutor Muhammad Shamsuddoha Sumon argued that Kalimullah played a significant role in supporting the former administration, labeling him a key intellectual architect of the previous regime. The prosecution alleged that the former vice-chancellor was intrinsically linked to the suppression of student protests, including incidents of gunfire and the forced disappearance of bodies. Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Md. Abu Sayed informed the court that evidence suggests Kalimullah’s involvement, necessitating his formal arrest to ensure a thorough investigation.

Addressing the court from the dock, Kalimullah denied any wrongdoing and maintained that he had been an early advocate for the student movement. He claimed to have been the first to publicly protest the killing of student activist Abu Sayed, asserting that his position on the July movement was supportive rather than adversarial. “I have supported the movement. There is a record of my protests,” Kalimullah stated.

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Defense counsel Abdur Rashid vehemently opposed the arrest petition, describing the move as an infringement on his client’s fundamental rights. The defense argued that as a professor, Kalimullah’s professional focus remained on teaching rather than political violence, and questioned the timing of the petition, noting that the case had been stagnant for an extended period. The defense further contended that the proceedings were an attempt to prolong his incarceration following his initial arrest in August 2024 on unrelated charges.

The court engaged in a brief exchange with the former vice-chancellor regarding his past conduct during election observation duties, questioning his oversight of electoral processes. After concluding the hearing, the judge ordered the arrest to stand. Kalimullah, who was transported to the courthouse under heavy security, including the use of a bulletproof vest and helmet, was subsequently remanded back into custody.