A photojournalist gave his testimony on Monday before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1), recalling how his colleague was fatally shot by police while covering a peaceful political rally during the July unrest.
Md Mohid Hossain, a journalist with Sylhet-based daily Ekattorer Kotha, appeared as prosecution witness (PW-30) in the ongoing case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
Mohid recounted the tragic events of July 19 in Sylhet, where the BNP organised a peaceful rally following a gayebana janaza (absentee funeral prayer) after Jumma prayers. “My colleague, Abu Turab from Naya Diganta, and I were documenting the rally when, as the procession reached Zindabazar, police suddenly opened fire from behind,” Mohid said.
“I raised my hands in the air and yelled, ‘Dastagir Bhai (ADC Sadik Kawser Dastagir), please stop, we are journalists,’ but the shooting continued.”
Despite his plea, police officers continued firing, and his colleague, Abu Turab, was shot and fell to the ground.
“I rushed him to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, but the police and Awami League activists blocked his treatment. He was then transferred to Ibn Sina Hospital, where he passed away at around 6:45 pm,” Mohid added.
The witness stated that several police officials, including ADC Sadik Kawser Dastagir, Assistant Commissioner Mizanur Rahman, and the officer-in-charge of Kotwali Police Station, Mohiuddin, were responsible for the shooting.
This marks the 35th prosecution witness to testify in the ongoing case against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun for crimes against humanity.
After his testimony, Mohid was cross-examined by Advocate Amir Hossain, the state-appointed defense counsel for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. Advocate Zayed Bin Amzad, representing Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun – who has turned approver in the case—was also present at the hearing.
Earlier, on June 17, ICT-1 published notices in two leading national newspapers, ordering Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24, 2025. The notice warned that failure to surrender would result in the trial proceeding in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.
On June 16, the tribunal instructed the authorities to issue the notices after reviewing the formal charges filed on June 1. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam informed the court that both Hasina and Kamal were evading arrest, with reports suggesting they had fled to India.
The prosecution has filed five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, following the ICT investigation agency’s report filed on May 12.
