Tribunal hears chilling testimony on Rampura killings
In a harrowing testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), a witness has described the sheer terror faced by victims of the July mass uprising in Rampura, Dhaka.
He alleged that members of the Awami League threatened doctors at a local hospital, instructing them to ensure the death of those injured by gunfire.
The disturbing account was given by the sixth witness in a case filed regarding crimes against humanity.
His testimony was recorded on Tuesday before a two-member judicial panel led by Justice Md. Golam Mortoza Majumdar and Judge Md. Mohitul Haq Enam Chowdhury. For security reasons, the identity of the witness has been withheld.
The witness, who works as a security guard in the Meradiya area of Rampura, recounted the events of July 19, 2024.
He stated that he had gone to observe the student movement when, in the Meradiya raw market area, personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Awami League activists allegedly opened fire in unison, resulting in numerous casualties.
Describing his personal ordeal, he said that after being shot and collapsing to the ground, he was rescued by local residents and rushed to Mugda Medical College Hospital.
He testified that although initial treatment was underway, he was compelled to leave the hospital the following night.
Crucially, he alleged that individuals present at the facility pressured and intimidated the medical staff.
Recalling a horrifying moment, the witness stated that he heard the chilling words: “They were shot but didn’t die, kill them with an injection.”
Furthermore, he claimed that he was denied any medical documentation upon his discharge.
The trauma did not end there. Upon returning home, the witness claimed that Awami League leaders and activists visited his residence, telling him, “You have been shot, you cannot stay in this area.”
It was only through the intervention of a compassionate, non-partisan local resident that he found reassurance.
He subsequently sought treatment at Farazi Hospital, funding the medical care himself.
During his emotional address to the court, the witness named Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam of the BGB, as well as police officer Rashed and OC Mashiur, as the individuals responsible for shooting him.
He stated that his injuries have left him permanently unable to work. With his voice trembling with emotion, he pleaded for justice against those involved in the atrocities.
There are four accused in the case in total. Lieutenant Colonel Redwanul Islam and Major Md. Rafat Bin Alam have been arrested and are currently detained in the sub-jail of Dhaka Cantonment.
However, the former Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of DMP’s Khilgaon zone, Md. Rashedul Islam, and the former Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rampura Police Station, Md. Mashiur Rahman, remain fugitives.
The proceedings saw Prosecutor Abdus Sattar Palwan lead the arguments for the state, assisted by Prosecutors Zahirul Amin, Mainul Karim, and Marjina Raihan.
