The anti terrorism special tribunal in Dhaka is taking testimonies on the killing of blogger Avijit Roy. After the start of the trial on Aug 1, 2019, 10 persons have given statements out of 34.

The next statement will be taken on Mar 2 next and the state expects to complete the trial by the running year.

Chief lawyer for the state Golam Sarwar Khan Jakir, said: “After the trial started, 4 persons of the six accused are in prison, two are fugitives; we have taken the statement of 10 of the 34 and will end the process by this year.”

Avijit’s wife Bonya Ahmed is abroad and is unwilling to come back to the country on security concerns, he added.

“Since Bonya was present when Avijit was killed, her statement will facilitate in proving the crime.”

The accused are all members of the outlawed extremist outfit Ansarullah Bangla team.

On Feb 26, 2015, Abvijit was hacked in front of his wife when the two had come out of the Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka University area.

Avijit died of the wounds and his father, Ajoy Roy lodged a murder case at the Shahbagh police station. The case was first investigated by DMP’s Counter Terrorism and Trans National Crime Unit (CTTC) and submitted a charge sheet on Apr 11, 2019.

Of the ones linked to Avijit killing, Mukul Rana was killed in a shootout with DB while Saimon, Sohel and Arafat gave confessional statements at court.