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The International Crimes Tribunal-1 (ICT-1) in Dhaka on Sunday began recording witness depositions in the crimes against humanity case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others.
On the first day of the proceedings, Khokon Chandra Barman, 23, a victim of the July-August 2024 mass uprising, testified before the tribunal.
Mr Barman, a microbus driver who lost an eye and suffered severe facial disfigurement after being shot at close range by police, recounted his harrowing experience.
He joined the movement on July 18, 2024, at the Signboard area in Narayanganj and participated actively until Hasina's fall on August 5.
The following day, police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces opened fire on a procession attempting to move from Bhuighar to Chasara area in Narayanganj, killing some of his comrades and injuring many others.
On August 5, 2024, at Jatrabari in Dhaka, Mr Barman was shot in the face by police while leading a procession from Signboard to Dhaka as part of the "March to Dhaka" student movement against discrimination.
"The police may have aimed at my head, but the bullet struck my face. I was then writhing in pain, signalling for help," Mr Barman told the tribunal, removing his mask to reveal his severely damaged left eye, nose, and mouth.
He said the police indiscriminately fired on protestors at Jatrabari that day, killing many and injuring hundreds, even after reports circulated that Sheikh Hasina had fled the country.
Mr Barman accused Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader, former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, and former MP Shamim Osman of being responsible for the deaths of thousands.
He demanded justice against them.
The two co-accused in the case are Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Former IGP Mamun has pleaded guilty and become an approver in the case.
Md Amir Hossain, state-appointed lawyer for the absconding accused Hasina and Kamal, cross-examined the prosecution witness.
He questioned Barman whether he had any documents supporting his claims against Hasina and Kamal. Mr Barman replied, "No."
After completing Barman's deposition and cross-examination, the three-member ICT-1 bench, headed by Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, adjourned the proceedings until Monday.
At the start of the hearing, Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam stated that Sheikh Hasina was the central figure behind these criminal offences. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman also addressed the tribunal, demanding the highest punishment for the accused.
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