Rangpur: Abu Sayed, a student of Begum Rokeya University, was killed by lethal metal pellets during the anti-discrimination movement on July 16, 2024, as per the UN fact-finding report that attributes his death to a deliberate extrajudicial killing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released its Fact-Finding Report titled ‘Human Rights Violations and Abuses related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh’. The report reveals that Abu Sayed, the youngest among eight siblings and the first in his family to attend university, was killed by lethal metal pellets fired from at least two shots, despite the absence of a proper autopsy. The documented wounds and video footage support the conclusion of deliberate police involvement.
The report indicates that tensions escalated when a large group of students gathered at the university’s Gate One during a demonstration involving thousands of students. According to the police’s report to OHCHR, clashes erupted between Bangladesh Chhatra League supporters and protesters, prompting police to fire gas shells and blank bullets. Abu Sayed was grievously injured and later died at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, with the cause of death reported as a head injury and gunshot injury.
OHCHR’s examination of eyewitness accounts, videos, and images suggests that Abu Sayed was among those attacked by police and Chhatra League supporters with batons and sticks. The police also fired tear gas and shotguns loaded with lethal metal pellets at protesters, causing injuries to several students, including one who was partially blinded.
Eyewitnesses reported that Abu Sayed raised his hands and did not pose a threat when police, positioned approximately 14-15 meters away, shot him multiple times with shotguns loaded with metal pellets. The UN report states that forensic analysis of video footage corroborated these accounts, revealing visible bleeding from his neck, chest, and arms, followed by signs of hypovolemia and dizziness. The analysis found no evidence of severe head injuries that could suggest an alternative cause of death.
OHCHR’s forensic examination found no proper autopsy conforming to international standards had been performed. The forensic physician noted shotgun wounds with at least forty metal pellets on the right side of the chest and fifty on the left, including areas around the heart, lungs, and abdomen. The analysis concluded that Abu Sayed was shot at least twice from a distance of approximately 14 meters.