Dhaka: Sanjida Khan Dipti, the mother of Shaheed Shahriar Khan Anas, a class 10 student who was killed alongside five others during police firing at Chankharpul in the capital during the student Mass Uprising of July 24, has demanded the execution of all eight accused in the case. These include deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sanjida provided her testimony before the three-member International Crimes Tribunal-1, led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder. Her statement marked the 11th testimony recorded in this case. The tribunal has scheduled the next date for testimony on September 11. Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam, Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim, and other prosecutors represented the prosecution during the session.
In her emotional statement, Sanjida recounted that her son Anas was a student at Gendaria Adarsh Academy and was shot dead by police on August 5, 2024, during a protest. She shared that on that morning, she found a letter left by Anas on his study table, which explained his decision to join the protest, expressing his willingness to sacrifice for future generations.
Sanjida further described the heartbreaking moment when she was informed of Anas's death. An unknown caller directed her to Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, where she found her son covered in blood. A fellow protester, Saurav, informed her of the police shooting during the protest. Anas's death certificate confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound.
The grieving mother narrated how Anas's body was taken home, and the local community held a procession in his honor, demanding answers from the country's leadership. She recounted that the shooting occurred as protesters were stopped by police in Chankharpul and that her son was shot while seeking shelter. Evidence, including video footage, Anas's letter, and blood-stained clothes, has been submitted to the tribunal.
Sanjida's statement highlighted that the attack on protesters was under orders from senior officials, including then DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman. She made an impassioned plea for the hanging of those responsible for the deaths of Anas and the others.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 has framed formal charges against eight individuals in connection with this incident. The accused include former DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman and several police officials, with some currently absconding while others remain in custody.