A private university student has testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 against Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon and Awami League Presidium member Kamrul Islam over allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the July-August uprising.
Shakib Ahmed Tulan testified on Tuesday, describing the killing of a student in front of BRAC University and the firing of tear shells and pellets on protesters by police.
Prosecutor Sultan Mahmud delivered the opening statement, reading out the charges against the accused and recounting portions of witness testimonies.
Shakib Ahmed Tulan said that after the deaths of Abu Sayed from Rangpur and Wasim Akram from Chattogram in police firing on 16 July 2024, the anti-discrimination student movement spread across the country.
“On 18 July, I also joined the movement at Badda Post Office Road and in front of BRAC University. Police fired widespread tear shells and pellets at the protesting students and public. Our movement was peaceful. Unable to hold ground, many of us had to return home. On that day, a student was shot and killed in front of BRAC University,” he said.
The witness further said, “On 19 July, after Jumu’ah prayers, I, along with Maruf, his uncle Faisal, and Rajib, joined a procession in front of BRAC University. I saw police and BGB firing at those heading towards the Rampura Bridge. There was a barricade in front of Rampura Bridge. I saw five people lying dead, shot by gunfire.”
The tribunal adjourned the hearing until 29 June after the testimony was left incomplete.
On 30 April, the tribunal formally framed charges in the case, marking the beginning of the formal trial. Both accused pleaded not guilty when produced in the dock.
On 2 March, during the charge-framing hearing, Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam said three charges have been brought against Rashed Khan Menon and Kamrul Islam. The prosecution alleges that they gave provocative speeches to keep the Sheikh Hasina government in power.
As top leaders of the Awami League government and the 14-party alliance, they allegedly incited the use of lethal weapons against unarmed protesters and the imposition of curfews.
As part of their alleged conspiracy, protesters were fired upon in Badda and various other areas of the capital, the prosecution said.
The tribunal rejected the defence’s plea for acquittal filed by the accused’s lawyer, Mansurul Haque Chowdhury.
Earlier, on 3 February, the prosecution submitted formal charges against Menon and Kamrul Islam. The tribunal took cognisance of the charges and ordered them to appear.
The case alleges their involvement in two incidents of crimes against humanity during the July-August 2024 uprising in Badda and surrounding areas, where 23 people were killed.
Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August, 2024, Rashed Khan Menon and Kamrul Islam were arrested and have remained in custody since.
