'I was shot under Redowanul's leadership': July Uprising witness testifies before ICT over Rampura attack

A student who was shot during the 2024 July Uprising told the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today (August 20) that he was wounded in the leg during a crackdown in Rampura allegedly led by former Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) officer Lt Col Redwanul Islam.

Md Ratul Hasan, a Tejgaon College student, was the 12th witness to testify before Tribunal-1 in the crimes against humanity case over violence in Rampura and Banasree.

Ratul said that on 19 July 2024, after Jummah prayers, he joined protesters near Rampura Multicare Hospital, where BGB and police personnel were deployed.

"They started firing at us without any warning," he said in his deposition.

As he ran towards Better Life Hospital, a bullet entered the back of his left leg below the knee and exited through the front, he said. About one-and-a-half inches of bone was damaged in the injury.

Ratul said he later learned through social media and television reports that Redwanul, Major Rashed, then Rampura Police Station officer-in-charge Moshiur Rahman and the then police ADC responsible for the area had opened fire during the incident.

He said he also later learned that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, then home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader had ordered the firing.

Ratul said he joined the movement in Rampura with his friend Rifat Islam on 18 July and that Rifat was shot by police that day. He also recalled heavy firing from helicopters.

"I have still not fully recovered and continue to suffer. I want justice for those who ordered the firing and those who opened fire," Ratul told the tribunal.

The four accused in the case are Redwanul, Major Md Rafat-bin-Alam, former police ADC Md Rashedul Islam and former Rampura OC Md Moshiur Rahman.

Redwanul and Rafat are in custody, while Rashedul and Moshiur remain absconding.

Six charges were framed against the accused on 24 December 2025.

Redwanul breaks down

After the deposition, Redwanul broke down in tears while standing in the dock and told the tribunal that frequent hearing dates were making it difficult for him to pay his lawyer.

"Frequent dates are very difficult for me. I cannot even pay my lawyer," he said, asking for longer intervals between hearings.

He said his current salary was insufficient to cover both his family expenses and legal costs.

His lawyer Shahnur Islam told the tribunal that Redwanul was being charged a reasonable fee.

Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, however, said the accused's concern was not simply postponing hearings but completing the trial quickly, arguing that shorter intervals would help conclude the proceedings sooner.

The tribunal fixed 2 September for the continuation of the unfinished cross-examination.