Testimony has begun against Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President Hasanul Haq Inu at the International Crimes Tribunal-2.
A prosecution witness has identified him as a key instigator and alleged director of attacks on students, protesters, and civilians during the July–August anti-government uprising in Kushtia.
On Monday the two-member tribunal led by Justice Md Manjurul Bashed recorded the testimony of the prosecution’s first witness, Md Raisul Haque.
The witness described, he was staying at a mess in Kalishankarpur, Kushtia, during the events. He recalled that protests intensified after Sheikh Hasina reportedly labelled quota protesters as “descendants of Razakars” on 14 July 2024. That night, students marched near Kushtia Government College.
Raisul said protester Abu Saeed was killed on 16 July. Thousands then marched from Shapla Chattar towards Mojompur, facing resistance from police, the Awami League, and its affiliates.
He told the tribunal that on 18 July, around 300–400 protesters gathered near the DC Court intersection. They were attacked by Detective Branch officers and ruling party groups. Protesters dispersed, but later regrouped. Law enforcement fired tear gas, and he was hit by shotgun pellets in the middle of his forehead.
He displayed the injury mark before the court.
The witness said protests grew stronger on 3, 4 and 5 August. On 3 August, marches from Kushtia Sadar Hospital towards Mojompur were again obstructed by Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League activists.
On 4 August, around 300–400 protesters gathered in the morning. As they marched, another 400–500 joined. They again faced attacks from ruling party supporters and police.
Raisul alleged that these attacks were carried out under the direct instruction and incitement of Hasanul Haq Inu, who is also the MP for Kushtia-2. He said Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif and Sadar Upazila Chairman Ataur Rahman Ata were also present.
Regarding 5 August, Raisul said thousands joined the “March to Dhaka” programme. As protesters moved towards Mojompur, police fired tear gas and ruling party groups allegedly launched armed attacks. Protesters occupied the area from Bok Chattar to the six-road intersection. More tear gas was fired and armed groups attacked again.
One protester’s brother, Babu, was shot. He died after being taken to hospital. Raisul said six people were killed that day: Suruj Ali Babu, Babul Farazi, Abdullah Mustakin, Usama and two others.
Raisul Haque said that after 5 August, they saw on social media that JSD President Hasanul Haq Inu had given various suggestions to accused Sheikh Hasina over phone calls on how to suppress the protesters — including instructions to shoot them if necessary, to use bombings, and to crush the movement at any cost.
After his statement, defence lawyers cross-examined the witness.
Later, prosecution seizure witness, prosecutor and special investigator Tanvir Hasan Zoha, also gave testimony. His cross-examination will continue on Tuesday.
Prosecutors Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar and Faruk Ahmed represented the state. Defence lawyer Monsurul Haq Chowdhury appeared for Inu.
