July atrocities: 'Cops continued to shoot us even after we identified as journalists', Sylhet photojournalist Mohid tells ICT

Mohid Hossain, a photojournalist of the Sylhet-based daily newspaper, Ekattorer Kotha, today testified against three accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, in a case filed over crimes against humanity committed during the July-August movement.

During his testimony at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-1), Mohid alleged that during last year's anti-discrimination student movement, the police opened fire on him and his colleague at an event in Sylhet city even after they identified themselves as journalists.

A three-member ICT-1 panel, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Majumdar, recorded his testimony.

On 19 July 2024, the BNP held a nationwide funeral prayer in absentia for those who were killed in the movement till that day. The funeral prayers were held at the Collectorate Jame Mosque near Madhuban Point in Sylhet after Jumma prayers. Mohid had gone there to cover the event as a journalist.

Mohid said after the prayer, a peaceful protest march was brought out. As the march was heading towards Zindabazar, the police suddenly opened fire at the protesters from behind without warning.

"My colleague, journalist Abu Torab, and I were on our professional duties. The police were firing shots targeting us. I raised my hand and said to the police, "Dastagir Bhai [then additional deputy commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan police], we are journalists, please don't shoot us."

Ignoring their urge, the police continued firing, Mohid alleged. "My colleague Abu Torab, a photojournalist for the Daily Jalalabad and Daily Naya Diganta newspapers, was shot and fell to the ground."

He said he took Torab to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, first by rickshaw and later by CNG autorickshaw. "But reaching there, we were obstructed by the police and Awami League supporters. He [Torab] was moved to Ibn Sina Hospital, and died there at 6:45pm on that day."

Mohid said then additional deputy commissioner of Sylhet Metropolitan Police Sadiq Kawsar Dastagir, and assistant commissioner of Kotwali police atation Mizanur Rahman, and officer-in-charge Mohiuddin, and several others fired shots at the protest march. 

The photojournalist further said he had collected one video of the incident and recorded another himself. Both videos have been submitted to the tribunal.

One of the videos shows police firing at the protest march. Photojournalist Abu Torab was soaked in blood after being shot. He first sits down on the ground, then gets onto a rickshaw by himself while Mohid pulls the rickshaw along.

Earlier today, another journalist from Sylhet, Humayun Kabir Liton, also gave testimony in the case. Additional testimony was given by Dr Md Hasanat Al Matin, assistant director of Mugda Medical College Hospital in Dhaka.

During his testimony, Dr Hasanat said on 19 July 2024, he performed surgery at the hospital to remove a bullet from a patient named Shamsul Islam, who was shot during the July movement. 

The gunshot victim later died in the ICU, noted the physician.

Counsel Md Mizanul Islam said the witness examination in the crimes against humanity case is currently in its final stage.

There are approximately 40 witnesses in the case, he noted.

Previously, on 10 July, the tribunal framed charges in the case and ordered the start of the trial.