Dhaka: A complaint was filed with the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) today against 121 individuals, including former Bagerhat-1 lawmaker Sheikh Helal Uddin, his son and former Bagerhat-2 lawmaker Sheikh Tonmoy, former mayor of the Khulna City Corporation Talukder Abdul Khaleque, and his wife Habibun Nahar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, student leader Nayeem Shikder, who was shot and is still carrying over 400 shrapnel in his body, filed the complaint with the Chief Prosecutor’s office at the tribunal. Nayeem recounted that on August 4, students learned about the detention of fellow students in Bagerhat and Khulna and decided to free them from Talukder Abdul Khaleque’s house in Khulna. Upon reaching the location, they found Habibun Nahar had gathered armed cadres of Chhatra League and Jubo League, along with armed policemen, to guard the house.
As students approached after Asar prayers, they were met with gunfire, tear gas, and brickbats from police, Chhatra, and Jubo League members. The students retaliated with brickbats. Nayeem stated that at one point, policemen appeared to surrender, inviting them for negotiations. During this encounter, the students requested the release of their detained companions, but the authorities declined. Sensing danger, Nayeem advised his associates to flee as police and Chhatra League cadres opened fire, resulting in his injury.
Nayeem’s comrades managed to carry him away and sought medical help from three private hospitals in the Rupsha area, all of which refused treatment due to alleged administrative orders. Eventually, after persistent persuasion by the students, one hospital bandaged Nayeem on the street to stop his bleeding. A doctor later extracted a bullet from his back without using anesthesia or other medicines.
Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim confirmed the receipt of the complaint to newsmen, stating that the prosecution will take further action in response to the allegations.