:Murder of Abrar Fahad

{{Main article|Abrar Fahad (Bangladesh)}}

{{Infobox person

| name = Abrar Fahad

| image =

| image_upright =

| caption =

| native_name = আবরার ফাহাদ

| native_name_lang = bn

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1998|2|12}}

| birth_place = Kushtia, Bangladesh

| death_date = {{Death date and age|2019|10|7|1998|2|12}}

| death_place = Sher-e-Bangla Hall, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

| death_cause = Blunt force trauma

| monuments =

| other_names =

| siglum =

| alma_mater = Kushtia Zilla School
Notre Dame College

| parents =

| mother =

| father =

| relatives =

| family =

| awards = 30px Independence Award (2025)

| footnotes =

}}

Abrar Fahad ({{langx|bn|আবরার ফাহাদ}}; {{IPA|bn|ābrār fāhād|audio=Abrar Fahad.webm}}) was born on February 12, 1998, in the village of Radhanagar, Kumarkhali, Kushtia, Bangladesh. His father, Barkat Ullah, was a banker at BRAC Bank, while his mother, Rokeya Khatun, was a homemaker.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/they-killed-my-son-speaking-3722351|title='They killed my son for speaking up'|date=8 October 2024|work=The Daily Star|access-date=19 October 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/361127/abrar-fahad-s-father-yet-to-receive-justice-for?__cf_chl_rt_tk=_K48EAft31e3PEoiZpCxl2SEp6fcl3ymeJ5FrZrWEsk-1729341726-1.0.1.1-RuQkrdgcmW1PyzAfLeWys2PFEqhyUIlL6cU01y4_wb4|title=Abrar Fahad's father: Justice for murder has yet to be served|date=7 October 2024|work=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=19 October 2024|first=Mahathir|last=Mohammed}}

Abrar began his formal education at Kushtia Mission Primary School before moving on to Kushtia Zilla School, where he completed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/Abrar-Fahad-A-promising-life-brutally-cut-short|title=Abrar Fahad: A promising life brutally cut short|date=9 October 2019|work=Prothom Alo|access-date=19 October 2024}} After completing SSC, He was admitted to Notre Dame College in Dhaka, where he completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination under the Dhaka Board.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvonline.com/bangladesh/157377/%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%81%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F-%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%9F|script-title=bn:বুয়েট ছাত্র আবরারের পরিচয়|date=8 December 2021|work=RTV online|access-date=19 October 2024|language=bn}}

Abrar was offered admission to several universities, including the University of Dhaka and Dhaka Medical College.{{cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/361109/abrar-fahad%E2%80%99s-mother-i-can-still-hear-him-calling|title=Abrar Fahad's mother: I can still hear him calling me 'ammu'|date=7 October 2024|work=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=20 October 2024}}

Despite his mother's desire for him to study medicine, Abrar chose to pursue engineering, enrolling in the Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) department at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49979097|title=Abrar Fahad: Killing of Bangladesh student triggers protests|date=8 October 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=20 October 2024}}

At BUET, Abrar maintained his academic focus and became involved in several clubs, including the BUET Energy Club.{{cite news|url=https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/702765/%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A7%83%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%81%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0|language=bn|script-title=bn:ছেলের স্মৃতি আমাকে প্রতিদিন কাঁদায় : আবরার ফাহাদের মা|date=7 October 2024|work=The Daily Ittefaq|access-date=20 October 2024}}

Abrar Fahad was found dead in Room 2011 of Sher-e-Bangla Hall at BUET. He had been staying in Room 1011 of the same dormitory. Abrar had gone home on leave 10 days earlier, intending to stay until October 20. However, with exams approaching, he decided to return to his hall to focus on his studies.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/Abrar-murder-Decision-made-at-guestroom-to-beat|title=Abrar murder: Decision made at guestroom to beat him to death|work=Prothom Alo|date=18 November 2019}}

On October 4, Mehedi Hasan Robin, the Organizing Secretary of the BUET Chhatra League, reportedly gave instructions in a group chat to beat Abrar.{{cite news|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/court/abrar-murder-robin-confesses-court|title=Robin was the first person to hit Abrar|work=The Business Standard|date=14 October 2019}} This information came to light following a confession from Ifti Mosharraf Shakal, the group's Deputy Social Service Secretary.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/abrar-fahad-murder%3A-anik-sarkar-beat-him-until-he-was-motionless-1812979|title=Beat him until he was motionless|work=The Daily Star|date=13 October 2019}} Amit Saha, the Deputy's Law Secretary, suggested waiting until Abrar returned from his home.{{cite news|url=https://www.kalerkantho.com/english/online/national/2019/10/14/28770|title=BCL expels Abrar murder accused Amit Saha|work=Kaler Kantho|date=14 October 2019}}

On the night of October 6, 2019, Abrar was brought to Room 2011, along with his two mobile phones and laptop.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/abrar-killing-buet-least-28-took-part-or-abetted-the-crime-1823698|title=Abrar Killing at Buet: At least 28 took part in or abetted the crime|work=The Daily Star|date=6 November 2019}} At that point, Mujtaba Rafid, the Deputy Office Secretary of BUET Chhatra League, and Khandaker Tabakkharul Islam Tanvir, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student, inspected his phones.{{cite news|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/91390/buet-expels-26-students-for-abrar-murder|title=BUET expels 26 students for Abrar murder|work=New Age (Bangladesh)|date=22 November 2019}} Meanwhile, Muntasir Al Jemi, a second-year student from the same department, checked his laptop.{{cite web|url=https://asianews.network/bangladesh-charges-25-in-students-death/|title=Bangladesh charges 25 in student's death|website=Asia News Network|date=14 November 2019}} During this, Mehedi Hasan Robin began slapping Abrar.

Shamsul Arefin Rafat, a second-year Mechanical Engineering student, brought a cricket stump, which Ifti Mosharraf Shakal used to hit Abrar multiple times until it broke.{{cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/dhaka-tribunal-opens-trials-of-25-suspects-in-murder-of-buet-student-abrar-fahad|title=Dhaka tribunal opens trials of 25 suspects in murder of BUET student Abrar Fahad|work=bdnews24.com|date=15 September 2020}} Later, Anik Sarkar, the Information and Research Secretary of BUET Chhatra League and a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, repeatedly beat Abrar on his knees, legs, soles, and arms with another stump.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/anik-sarker-beat-up-abrar-fahad-2-phases-1812742|title=Anik Sarker beat up Abrar with cricket stump in 2 phases|work=The Daily Star|date=12 October 2019}} Meftahul Islam Zion, the Sports Secretary, also slapped Abrar and hit him on the knees with the stump.{{cite news|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/now-zion-confesses-involvement-abrar-murder|title=Now Zion confesses involvement in Abrar murder|work=The Business Standard|date=11 October 2019}}

Meanwhile, Mehedi Hasan communicated with the General Secretary of the BUET Chhatra League, Rasel Mehedi Hasan, over the phone.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/10-remanded-buet-student-abrar-murder-case-1810987|title=Abrar murder: 3 more Buet students arrested|work=The Daily Star|date=8 October 2019}} By around 10:30 PM, Abrar was lying on the floor, weakened from the beating{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49986893|title=Abrar Fahad killing: Bangladesh student was beaten for four hours|publisher=BBC|date=9 October 2019}} Ifti Mosharraf Shakal forced him to stand up and slapped him. Mujahidur Rahman, a third-year Electrical Engineering student, then hit him with a skipping rope. Ifti Mosharraf Shakal continued to strike Abrar's knees and legs with a stump, and Khandaker Tanvir repeatedly slapped him.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/horrific-accounts-cruelty-in-abrar-murder-case-1812670|title=Horrific accounts of cruelty|work=The Daily Star|date=12 October 2019}} Around 11 PM, Anik Sarkar entered the room again and hit Abrar with the stump and the group eventually left the room around midnight.{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2019/11/the-orwellian-dystopia-in-bangladesh/|title=The Orwellian dystopia in Bangladesh|website=Asia Times|date=8 November 2019}}

Abrar, struggling to breathe, was given two pillows under his head by Ifti Mosharraf Shakal.{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%AE-%E2%80%98%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E2%80%99-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9B%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B2%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0|script-title=bn:ভিন্ন মতের নির্মম 'শাস্তি' পেয়েছিলেন আবরার|language=bn|work=Prothom Alo|date=13 November 2019}} Abrar vomited several times. The group then moved him to Room 2005 of the dormitory. Amit Saha tried to extract more information from Abrar, suggesting they continue beating him to get more details. Realizing his condition was deteriorating, Amit suggested they take him out of the hall.

Mehedi Hasan and Anik Sarkar went into Room 2005, saw that Abrar seemed somewhat stable, and left.{{cite news|url=https://www.jugantor.com/capital/230049/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A5-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A7-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AD-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%93|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যার প্রতিবাদে রাজপথ অবরোধ করে শিবিরের বিক্ষোভ (ভিডিও)|language=bn|work=Jugantor|date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130081048/https://www.jugantor.com/capital/230049/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%AA%E0%A6%A5-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%A7-%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%AD-%E0%A6%AD%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%A1%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%93 |archive-date=30 November 2024}} Shortly after, Abrar vomited again. Mehedi Hasan talked about handing him over to the police.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/Abrar-murder-Police-knew-but-didn%E2%80%99t-act|title=Abrar murder: Police knew but didn't act|work=Prothom Alo|date=9 October 2019}} Members of the 17th batch then moved Abrar to the ground floor with a mattress.{{cite news|url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/it-was-organised-murder|title='Cricket stumps brought from outside to beat Abrar'|work=The Business Standard|date=11 October 2019}} During this time, Mehedi Hasan Rasel, the General Secretary, was coordinating with the police.

When Muntasir Al Jemi informed Ifti Mosharraf Shakal that Abrar's condition had worsened, Shakal suggested massaging him.{{cite news|last1=Dhali|first1=Bari|title=Two Buet students testify in Abrar Fahad murder case|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/court/229541/two-buet-students-testify-in-abrar-fahad-murder|work=Dhaka Tribune|language=en|format=news article|date=8 November 2020}} Ismail and Monir called for an ambulance, but due to a delay, Tamim brought a doctor from BUET Medical Center.

At 3 AM on Monday, police recovered Abrar's body from the ground floor of BUET's Sher-e-Bangla Hall.{{cite news|url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/429561/favicon/bangla|title=BUET student killed for Facebook status|work=Daily Sun|date=7 October 2019}} Medical Officer Dr. Md. Mashuk Elahi declared him dead around the same time. CCTV footage from the second floor of the dormitory showed several individuals dragging Abrar by his hands and feet down a corridor.{{cite news|url=https://today.thefinancialexpress.com.bd/first-page/buet-student-beaten-to-death-1570471491|title=BUET student beaten to death|work=The Financial Express|date=8 October 2019}}

Footage also revealed that at 3:26 AM, the Director of BUET's Student Welfare Council, Professor Mizanur Rahman, stood beside the body and had a conversation with the suspects before leaving.{{cite news|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/228249/buet-teacher-testifies-in-abrar-fahad-murder-case|title=Buet teacher testifies in Abrar Fahad murder case|work=Dhaka Tribune|date=28 October 2020}} The next day, he claimed he knew nothing about the incident until the morning. Abrar's phone and laptop were in the possession of Chhatra League members, making it impossible for any of his friends to inform his family immediately after his death.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/BUET-student-Abrar%E2%80%99s-mother-repeatedly-phoned-him|title=BUET student Abrar's mother repeatedly phoned him that night|work=Prothom Alo|date=7 October 2019}}

Eventually, they obtained the contact number of Abrar's younger brother, Abrar Faiyaz, from a BUET student named Diganta who used to tutor him.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/news/hes-feigning-hurt-can-be-beaten-2-more-hours-1811731|title='He's feigning, can be beaten up for two more hours'|work=The Daily Star|date=10 October 2019}} Faiyaz was called, and after a few rings, he picked up, allowing the family to learn about his death. News of Abrar's death spread fear among the students of Sher-e-Bangla Hall. Many were too scared to share information, fearing retaliation from Chhatra League members.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/bcl-become-total-menace-1503104948.html|title=BCL has become a total menace|work=The Statesman|date=28 August 2022|access-date=7 September 2022}} A few students from the 17th batch decided to write a message and posted it across all BUET-related Facebook pages and groups, including the Alumni Association.

This helped the news gradually spread.{{cite news|url=https://www.observerbd.com/news.php?id=222468|title=Accused Anik gives confessional statement|work=The Daily Observer|date=12 October 2019}} Initially, when Abrar was in critical condition, Chhatra League leaders planned to hand him over to the police, labeling him as a "Shibir activist" (a term used for members of the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami). One leader at the scene even called the Duty Officer at Chawkbazar Police Station, stating, "We have caught an activist; come take him away." A police patrol team was dispatched to Sher-e-Bangla Hall following this call. However, a security guard at the hall, who wished to remain anonymous, told Bangla Tribune, "A police vehicle arrived and asked where the activist was, but the Chhatra League did not allow them to enter the hall afterward".{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/buet-student-found-dead-dormitory-1810519|title=Buet student murdered after 'BCL men grilled' him|work=The Daily Star|date=7 October 2019}}

Abrar's classmates suggested that his death might have been related to his Facebook posts. In a status update, Abrar criticized the signing of bilateral agreements with India during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's four-day official visit.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/news/202910/BUET-student-beaten-dead-in-dorm|title=BUET student 'beaten dead' in dorm|website=Prothom Alo|date=7 October 2019|access-date=15 September 2024}}

In his post, he discussed the Indian use of the Mongla Port, the withdrawal of water from the Feni River, and the import of LPG from Bangladesh.{{cite news|url=https://daily-sun.com/post/429509/Was-BUET-student-Abrar-murdered-for-his-Facebook-status|title=Was BUET student Abrar murdered for his Facebook status?|website=The Daily Sun|date=7 October 2019|access-date=15 September 2024}} The post reads:

{{blockquote|

1.After the partition in 1947, there was no seaport in the western part of the country. The then government requested India to use the Kolkata Port for six months, but the response was dismissive. Consequently, the Mongla Port was opened prematurely to combat famine. Ironically, India now seeks to use the Mongla Port.

2. There were headlines a few years ago about disputes over the sharing of water from the Kaveri River between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In contrast, we are willing to supply 150,000 cubic meters of water daily without exchange.

3. A few years ago, North India ceased exporting coal and stones to protect its resources, yet we are providing them with gas, even though our own factories are shut due to a gas shortage.

Perhaps the poet wrote in search of such happiness:

'For others' sake, I say

Give all your life and mind,

Is there such happiness anywhere

That you forget yourself?'

({{small|Translated from Bengali}})

}}

Several hundred students from the University of Dhaka held a protest at the base of the Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture. Teachers and students from Jahangirnagar University also organized a human chain on their campus, demanding the capital punishment for Abrar's killers. Students from Islamic University in Kushtia blocked the Kushtia-Khulna highway in protest of the killing. Teachers from the university also joined in, holding a human chain to call for justice for Abrar's murder.{{cite news|url=https://banglanews24.com/education/news/bd/744423.details|language=bn|script-title=bn:ফাহাদ হত্যার ঘটনায় ইবি শিক্ষার্থীদের মহাসড়ক অবরোধ|work=Banglanews24|date=8 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/campus/news/531535|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যার প্রতিবাদে কুষ্টিয়া-খুলনা মহাসড়ক অবরোধ|work=Jago News 24|language=bn|date=7 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.jagonews24.com/campus/news/531648|script-title=bn:আবরারের খুনিদের শাস্তি চান ইবি শিক্ষকরা|work=Jago News 24|language=bn|date=8 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}}

In Khulna, students from Khulna University blocked the main road in front of their campus, wearing black badges and forming a human chain at the university's main gate to protest Abrar's death.{{cite news|url=https://tbsnews.net/bangladesh/crime/buet-student-abrar-murder-sparks-nationwide-protests|title=Buet student Abrar murder sparks nationwide protests|work=The Business Standard|date=7 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}} At the University of Chittagong, female residential students brought out a procession followed by a human chain in front of the Shaheed Minar on the campus, demanding the death penalty for those involved in the killing.{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/abrar-fahad-murder-protests-continue-universities-in-bangladesh-1811377|title=Abrar killing: Protests continue at universities|date=9 October 2019|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2 November 2024}}

File:A protestant demands justice for killing abrar fahad.jpg saying "you don't need a reason to murder someone in this city" referring to Abrar Fahad.]]

Students from Rajshahi University staged a demonstration and blocked the Rajshahi-Dhaka highway for half an hour, protesting the killing. Students from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology also formed a human chain at the main entrance of the Sylhet campus. Later, they organized a protest march, which circled the Sylhet-Sunamganj highway.{{cite news|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/news/202952/Univ-students-countrywide-protest-at-Abrar-murder|title=Univ students countrywide protest at Abrar murder|date=7 October 2019|work=Prothom Alo|access-date=2 November 2024}} Students in other districts, including Mymensingh, Comilla, Noakhali, Barisal, Bogura, Gazipur, Manikganj, Jessore, Patuakhali, Brahmanbaria, Tangail, and Rajbari, also held human chains.{{cite news|url=https://www.rtvonline.com/politics/76656/আবরার-হত্যার-প্রতিবাদে-সারাদেশে-বিক্ষোভ-ও-মনববন্ধন|language=bn|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যার প্রতিবাদে সারাদেশে বিক্ষোভ ও মনববন্ধন|work=RTV|date=8 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://bangla.bdnews24.com/samagrabangladesh/article1673990.bdnews|language=bn|script-title=bn:বুয়েটছাত্র আবরার হত্যায় জেলায় জেলায় বিক্ষোভ|date=8 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024|work=Bdnews24.com|archive-date=11 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011062741/https://bangla.bdnews24.com/samagrabangladesh/article1673990.bdnews}}

Celebrities also voiced their protest. Lyricist Prince Mahmud, filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, playwright Masum Reza, drama director Chayanika Chowdhury, film director Redoan Rony, actor Zayed Khan, actress Moushumi Hamid, and musician Konal expressed their sorrow and protest on social media regarding this incident.{{Cite news|url=https://www.channelionline.com/আবরার-হত্যার-প্রতিবাদ-সর/|language=bn|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যার প্রতিবাদ: সরব তারকারাও|work=Channel i|date=8 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2024}}

In 2024, a renewed effort by the Chhatra League to reintroduce student politics at BUET faced widespread resistance, sparking protests and a boycott of academic activities across the university.{{Cite news|date=2024-03-30|title=Buet protest: What are the six demands of protesters?|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/education/news/buet-protest-what-are-the-six-demands-protesters-3578171|access-date=2024-04-01|work=The Daily Star|language=en}}

In response to widespread protests across Bangladesh, the BUET administration implemented measures to enhance campus safety.{{cite news|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/article/1618689/আবরার-হত্যার-১৯-আসামি-বহিষ্কার-বুয়েটে-সাংগঠনিক|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যার ১৯ আসামি বহিষ্কার, বুয়েটে সাংগঠনিক রাজনীতি নিষিদ্ধ|language=bn|website=Prothom Alo|date=21 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}{{cite news|url=http://www.somoynews.tv/pages/details/178177?|script-title=bn:পাঁচ দফা দাবি মেনে নিল বুয়েট|language=bn|website=Somoy TV|date=12 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024 |title=Somoy Tv News }} These measures include:

• Prohibiting student politics influenced by political parties, even though organizational politics had already been banned on the university campus.{{cite news|title='ভিসিই দলীয় ছাত্রদের প্রশ্রয়দাতা'|language=bn|url=https://www.prothomalo.com/opinion/article/1621261/|website=Prothom Alo|date=27 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}
• Temporarily expelling 19 individuals implicated in the murder, with permanent expulsion for those named in the charge sheet.{{cite news|script-title=bn:আবরার হত্যায় বুয়েটের ২৬ শিক্ষার্থীকে আজীবন বহিষ্কার|language=bn|url=https://bangla.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2019/11/22/17246/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%AC-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0|website=Dhaka Tribune|date=22 November 2019|access-date=14 September 2024|archive-date=26 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200826205539/https://bangla.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2019/11/22/17246/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%A4%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BC%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%AC-%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B7%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%9C%E0%A7%80%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B7%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0|url-status=}}
• Covering all legal expenses related to Abrar's murder case and providing compensation to his family.
• Reviewing past harassment incidents on campus and establishing an online platform for filing complaints.
• Installing CCTV cameras and monitoring systems in all student halls.

• {{Flag|United States}}: The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, through a statement by Ambassador Earl R. Miller posted on its official Facebook page, affirmed, "Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in any democracy. We join all voices calling for a comprehensive investigation and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family".{{cite news|title=Shocked by Abrar's murder, US ambassador calls for a 'full investigation'|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/shocked-by-abrar-s-murder-us-ambassador-calls-for-a-full-investigation|work=bdnews24.com|date=11 October 2019|access-date=11 October 2019}}
• {{Flag|United Kingdom}}: The British High Commission in Dhaka posted on their official Facebook page stating they are "Shocked and saddened by events at BUET" and affirming that the "UK stands unconditionally for free speech, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law".{{cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/un-uk-condemn-murder-of-buet-student-abrar|title=UN, UK condemn murder of BUET student Abrar|work=bdnews24.com|date=9 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}
• {{Flag|France}}: The French Embassy in Dhaka, in a statement posted on its Facebook page, also said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of a Buet student."{{cite news|title=Abrar murder: French embassy urges quick punishment of killers|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/189880/us-france-call-for-justice-for-abrar|work=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=10 October 2019}} 
• {{Flag|Germany}}: The Embassy of Germany in Dhaka posted on their official Facebook page stating, "The embassy would like to express its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the student and calls on everybody to advocate freedom of expression emphasizing the importance of this keystone of democracy".

• {{Flag|United Nations}}: UN Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo called for quick investigation and justice in the incident, stating, "Freedom of speech is a human right, and nobody should be harassed, tortured or killed for exercising it".{{cite news|title=International communities condemn Abrar's murder: Statements issued by UN, UK, Germany|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/189866/international-communities-condemn-abrar%E2%80%99s-murder|work=Dhaka Tribune|access-date=10 October 2019}}

Amnesty International condemned the murder as a "heinous crime requiring urgent investigation." The organization stated that "Abrar was simply exercising his right to freedom of expression through his Facebook posts criticizing the government."{{cite news|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2019/10/11/2003723775|title=Fury after student killed in Dhaka|work=Taipei Times|date=11 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}

Brad Adams, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, remarked, "A government that overlooks torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings by security forces, and arbitrary arrests of dissenters fosters an environment where students can operate a 'torture cell' on a university campus."{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/education-employment/news/hrw-deplores-abrar-killing-1812607|title=HRW slates Abrar killing|work=The Daily Star|date=12 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/10/10/bangladesh-ruling-party-activists-kill-student-after-facebook-post|title=Bangladesh Ruling Party Activists Kill Student after Facebook Post|website=hrw.org|date=10 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Developments member organisation Odhikar condemned the killing and "expresses grave concern on this situation of lawlessness and culture of fear".{{cite web|url=https://forum-asia.org/from-our-member-odhikar-bangladesh-odhikar-strongly-condemns-the-killing-of-buet-student-abrar-fahad/#:~:text=In%20the%20night%20of%206,by%20University%20unit%20Chhatra%20League|title=From Our Member Odhikar, Bangladesh – Odhikar strongly condemns the killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad|website=forum-asia.org|date=10 October 2019|access-date=14 September 2024}}

{{Update section|date=March 2025}}

Eventually, eighteen members of the BUET Chhatra League were detained in connection with the murder.{{cite news|url=https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/abrar-fahad-murder-father-initiates-case-accusing-19-1570465068|title=Abrar Fahad murder: Father initiates case accusing 19|work=The Financial Express|location=Dhaka|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=8 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008055227/https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/abrar-fahad-murder-father-initiates-case-accusing-19-1570465068|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/demanding-justice-for-abrar-buet-protesters-wont-budge-1812223|title=Buet protesters won't budge|date=11 October 2019|work=The Daily Star|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012001704/https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/demanding-justice-for-abrar-buet-protesters-wont-budge-1812223|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/another-accused-abrar-murder-case-held-sylhet-1812331|title=Abrar murder: 2 more accused held in Sylhet, Satkhira|date=11 October 2019|work=The Daily Star|access-date=21 October 2019|archive-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012001707/https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/another-accused-abrar-murder-case-held-sylhet-1812331|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://bdnews24.com/campus/police-arrest-slain-buet-student-abrar-s-roommate-mizanur|title=Police arrest slain BUET student Abrar's roommate Mizanur|work=bdnews24.com|date=10 October 2019|access-date=12 October 2019}}

Later on, 25 people were convicted in the Abrar Fahad murder case, and all were students at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). The Dhaka Speedy Trial Tribunal-1 sentenced 20 of them to death and 5 to life imprisonment on December 8, 2021.{{Cite news|last=Mahmud|first=Faisal|title=Bangladesh sentences 20 to death for student murder|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/8/bangladesh-sentences-20-students-to-death-for-2019-murder-case|access-date=2021-12-08|work=Al Jazeera|language=en}}

• {{note|*|*}} Name not mentioned in the First information report ({{langx|bn|এজাহার}})

On 5 August 2024, following the fall and exile of Sheikh Hasina, a death sentenced convict, Muntasir Al Zemi, escaped from the prison along with two hundred other prisoners during a prison breakout.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-25 |title=শেখ হাসিনার পতনের পর কাশিমপুর জেল থেকে পালানো ৫৩ ফাঁসির আসামির হদিস মেলেনি |url=https://www.bbc.com/bengali/articles/c0l1zpyzn7do |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=BBC Bangla |language=bn}}

Although, the latter's family was informed about the incident, six months after the escape.{{Cite web |last=প্রতিবেদক |first=নিজস্ব |date=2025-03-16 |title=আবরার হত্যার আসামি পালানোর ছয় মাস পর কেন জানানো হলো বোধগম্য নয়, বললেন ছোট ভাই |url=https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/d3wts2i0a8 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Prothom Alo |language=bn}}{{Cite web |last=Najib |first=Mishuk |date=2025-02-24 |title=বুয়েটছাত্র আবরার ফাহাদ হত্যা: জেল থেকে পালিয়েছেন মৃত্যুদণ্ডপ্রাপ্ত আসামি |url=https://jamuna.tv/news/596179 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Jamuna Television |language=en}}

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