Dhaka: A photojournalist today testified before the International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1), recounting how his colleague was shot dead by police while covering a peaceful political programme during the July uprising. Md Mohid Hossain of Sylhet-based daily Ekattorer Kotha appeared as prosecution witness (PW)-30 in the case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mohid Hossain detailed the events of July 19 in Sylhet, where the BNP organized a peaceful rally following a gayebana janaza (absentee funeral prayer) after Jumma prayers. Hossain, along with his colleague Abu Turab, a photojournalist for Naya Diganta and Jalalabad, was covering the rally. As the procession passed through Zindabazar, police reportedly opened fire from behind, despite Hossain's pleas for them to stop, identifying themselves as journalists.
The witness recounted the tragic moment when fellow photojournalist Abu Turab was shot and collapsed. Immediate efforts to get medical assistance were hindered when police and Awami League activists obstructed Turab's treatment at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, necessitating his transfer to Ibn Sina Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at around 6:45 pm that day.
Hossain named several policemen, including ADC Sadik Kawser Dastagir, assistant commissioner Mizanur Rahman, and Kotwali Police Station officer-in-charge Mohiuddin, as those who opened fire. So far, a total of 35 prosecution witnesses have testified in the crimes against humanity case against the accused.
During the hearing, the defense was represented by Advocate Amir Hossain for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and Advocate Zayed Bin Amzad for Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has turned approver in the case. The tribunal had previously issued notices requiring Hasina and Kamal to surrender by June 24, 2025, or face trial in absentia.
Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam stated that Hasina and Kamal are currently absconding, with intelligence reports indicating their presence in India. The prosecution has leveled five charges of crimes against humanity and mass killings against the accused, based on the probe report filed by the ICT investigation agency.