Ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 1, 2025 (BSS) - 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.

Recounting the incidents he witnessed on July 19 in Sylhet, Mohid said the BNP organized a peaceful rally following a gayebana janaza (absentee funeral prayer) after Jumma prayers.

"I and my colleague Abu Turab, a photojournalist of Naya Diganta and Jalalabad, were covering the rally. As the procession passed through Zindabazar, police opened fire from behind. I raised my hands and shouted, 'Dastagir Bhai (ADC Sadik Kawser Dastagir), please stop, we are journalists,'" he said.

The witness said despite his plea, police continued firing and fellow photojournalist Abu Turab was shot and collapsed on the ground.

"I took him to Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, but as police and Awami League activists obstructed his treatment there, he was later shifted to Ibn Sina Hospital. Abu Turab breathed his last at around 6:45 pm on that day," he added.

The photojournalist said many policemen, including ADC Sadik Kawser Dastagir, assistant commissioner Mizanur Rahman and Kotwali Police Station officer-in-charge Mohiuddin, opened fire on that day.

A total of 35 PWs have so far testified in the crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun.

After the submission of the testimony, the witness was cross-examined by Advocate Amir Hossain, state-appointed defence counsel for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal. 

Advocate Zayed Bin Amzad, counsel for Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who has become an approver in the case, was also present during the hearing.

Earlier on June 17, ICT-1 published notices in two national dailies asking Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to surrender by June 24.

"As per Rule 31 of the International Crimes (Tribunal-1) Rules of Procedure 2010 (Amendment) 2025, they are ordered to surrender at this tribunal on June 24, 2025. Otherwise, the trial will proceed in absentia under Section 10A of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973," the notice said.

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.