Dhaka: An ophthalmologist at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH) today testified at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT)-1, narrating the horrific ordeals she witnessed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. The testimony was given in the case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and ex-IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, NIOH Assistant Professor Dr. Zakia Sultana Neela, who provided treatment to victims with severe eye injuries, said they started receiving uprising patients on July 17, 2024, and provided treatment to five people with injuries caused by metallic pellets and bullets on the first day. Dr. Neela recounted that July 18 was particularly severe. Around 100 patients were admitted to the hospital that day, while treatment was provided to more than a hundred others. She described a scene where among more than a hundred patients aged between 14 and 25, many were holding one eye, some clutching both eyes streaming with blood, with their faces drenched in blood and distorted in agony.
The young doctor further stated that she and her colleagues conducted surgeries on 10 operation theatre tables until 9 pm on July 18, 2024, and faced a similar situation the next day. Most patients received were injured by metallic pellets, while some had bullet wounds. The injuries included corneal perforations, ruptures in the sclera, and in certain cases, completely ruptured eyeballs.
In her testimony, Dr. Neela stated that during August 4, 5, and 6, 2024, the hospital received a large number of patients. Among those treated, 493 patients had permanently lost vision in one eye, 11 patients had lost vision in both eyes, 28 patients were suffering from severe visual impairment in both eyes, and 47 patients were suffering from severe visual impairment in one eye.
Recounting the fear of law enforcement agency men among the patients, the witness noted that most victims used their nickname or pseudonym for getting admitted to the hospital, fearing arrest. Dr. Neela mentioned that, for security reasons or as a precautionary measure, patients often provided incorrect mobile numbers and ID card numbers.
The tribunal on July 10 indicted the three accused for their roles in crimes against humanity committed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. Earlier on June 17, ICT-1 published notices in two national dailies asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24. The notice stated that as per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment) 2025, they were ordered to surrender at the tribunal on June 24, 2025, otherwise, the trial would proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973.
The tribunal on June 16 directed the authorities to issue the notices after taking cognizance of the formal charges filed on June 1. Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam informed the court that Hasina and Kamal were absconding, with intelligence reports suggesting they were in India. The prosecution has brought five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against Hasina, Kamal, and Abdullah Al-Mamun, following the probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency on May 12.