Testimony of Md. Siam Ahsan Ayan

My name is Md. Siam Ahsan Ayan. My current age is approximately 18 years. My address XXX: I am a student of RCCI Public School and College. I have taken the HSC examination this year.

For a long time, a quota system has been in place for jobs in Bangladesh. Due to this quota system, a less meritorious section has occupied the majority of jobs. For this reason, the student community of Bangladesh has protested against this quota system at various times. Finally, in 2018, the Bangladesh government abolished this quota system. However, the then-government, to prolong its rule, reintroduced the quota system in 2024 through a court verdict. In response, in July 2024, the student community of Bangladesh started a nationwide movement under a platform called the “Anti-discrimination Student Movement.” In continuation of this, the protesting students began submitting memorandums to various government offices. The then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina very cunningly tried to reject the matter. When the time came to submit a memorandum to the President, the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina began to act even more cruelly towards the protestors.

After concluding her visit to China, the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the protestors as “children and grandchildren of Razakars,” and the then-Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, referring to the protestors, said, “Their Chhatra League is enough to stop this movement.“

Following these provocative statements from the government, the movement started to gain more momentum. In protest, the demonstrators called for a rally in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University. Then, on the orders and provocation of the then-Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, and Swechchhasebak League, along with their various affiliated organizations, led by then-Minister Md. Ali Arafat and MP Moinul Hossain Khan Nikhil, armed with weapons, attacked the protestors like terrorists. In light of this, following central directives from the Bangladesh Awami League, the central units of the Awami League, Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, Chhatra League, and their associated and affiliated organizations in Rangpur City Corporation, along with the Rangpur police and administration, planned to suppress the movement by killing the protestors.

On the night of 15/07/2024, through a joint meeting in Rangpur, we decided that on 16/07/2024, at 12:00 PM, all of us students would gather in front of Rangpur Zila School and proceed towards Begum Rokeya University to unite with the protestors there.

On 16/07/2024, at 12:00 PM, after gathering in front of Zila School, we started moving towards Begum Rokeya University. On the way, in front of Rangpur Police Lines, the police baton-charged us and dispersed us. We regrouped and again started moving towards Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. I was in the middle of the procession at that time. At approximately 2:10 PM, we took up positions in front of Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University.

On the orders of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, and central leaders, ministers, and MPs of the Awami League, and with the assistance of the IGP of Bangladesh Police, Abdullah Al Mamun, and the Commissioner of Rangpur Metropolitan Police, Md. Moniruzzaman, a cadre force comprising DC (Crime) Abu Maruf Hossain, ADC DB Shahanur Alam Patwari, AC Arifuzzaman, OC (Tajhat) Rabiul Islam, SI Bibhuti Bhushan Roy, ASI Amir Hossain, and Constable Sujon Chandra Roy, along with 40/50 other members of the police force, and Begum Rokeya University’s Chhatra League President Pomel Barua, General Secretary Shamim Mahfuz, Organizing Secretary Dhanonjoy Kumar Togor, Office Secretary Babul Hossain, Joint General Secretary Emran Chowdhury Akash, along with Akter Hossain, Ishak, Masudul Hasan, Fazle Rabbi, Sejan Ahmed Arif, and local Awami League, Jubo League, Chhatra League, Swechchhasebak League and other associated and affiliated organizations of the Awami League, attacked us. The police force fired tear gas shells at us, in protest of which Abu Sayeed stood on the west side of the road’s island, directly opposite Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University, with his two arms outstretched. He was shot by the police force. At that time, I was positioned on the east side of the road in front of the BIAM Shopping Complex. From there, I could see Abu Sayeed. After being shot, Abu Sayeed lost his balance and fell onto the east side of the island. The time was approximately 2:17 PM.

I came forward to save Abu Sayeed bhai. I then lifted him and turned him to my right, i.e., to the east. The police fired again, and I was injured by that bullet. The entire left side of my body was hit by bullets. (At this time, the witness shows the bullet wound scars on the left side of his body).

When Exhibit-1 was presented in the open tribunal, the witness identified himself in the displayed video clip at the 4:35 mark as the person who went to rescue the injured Abu Sayeed as he sat down, holding his hand.

Abu Sayeed bhai lost his balance again and fell from my grasp. At that time, he was bleeding profusely from the front of his body. Through fellow protestors and various online media, I also learned that a police team led by AC Arifuzzaman came and baton-charged Abu Sayeed and the protestors present at the scene, injuring them and striking Abu Sayeed on the back of his head.

Then, to move him to a safe place, I started moving towards the north side of the road, towards the then-Park Mor, and at that moment, some more protesters came and took Abu Sayeed to a safe place. He was then taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. I remained at the then-Park Mor, now Abu Sayeed Square. When the protestors and I learned of Abu Sayeed’s death, we became enraged and intensified our movement.

We also noticed that the Begum Rokeya University administration, including VC Dr. Hasibur Rashid, Proctor Shariful Islam, Assistant Professor Asaduzzaman, Assistant Professor Mashiur, and university officials Rafiul, Apel, Amu, and many others, were assisting the attackers, including the Chhatra League, Awami League, Jubo League, and police administration, in various ways. At the end of that day’s protest, I learned from fellow protestors, online-based media, and various news channels that many others were injured in the attacks by the police and their associates. I demand a fair trial and the hanging of all the accused in this case.

The investigating officer has interrogated me. This is my Deposition.

Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Md. Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam):

The investigating officer interrogated me on February 23, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM at Begum Rokeya University. I was questioned in the administrative building of the university. I cannot remember exactly, but it was probably in the conference room on the third floor. I cannot recall if the investigating officer interrogated me again after February 23, 2025. There were many others with the investigating officer, but I cannot remember who they were. Besides me, there were other students with me on February 23, 2025. However, I cannot remember who was present. Approximately five to six students, who were protesters, were present. My educational institution, RCCI Public School and College, was open.

(The witness later corrected that the date was not February 23, 2025, but February 25, 2025.)

The investigating officer called me through a university student named Arman Hossain. I had known Arman Hossain previously. I cannot remember if the investigating officer sent me a notice. In the 6-minute and 13-second video that was shown as exhibit 1, and in which I identified myself, there was no scene of me being shot. I was not admitted to the hospital for being shot, but I did receive medical treatment. The investigating officer collected my medical treatment documents from me, but I cannot recall if he collected these documents with a seizure list. I did not give any part of the bullet that was lodged in my body to the investigating officer. I bled after being shot. I did not give my blood-stained clothes to the investigating officer. It is not true that the gunshot wound mark I showed in the tribunal today was a mark from a previous injury or that this mark is not from a gunshot wound. We decided to meet on July 15, 2024, between approximately 10:00 PM and 12:00 AM. I cannot give a specific number, but the decision was made from the Rangpur Zilla Students’ Forum. That forum was led by Mahir Faisal. No one from the leadership of Rangpur Medical College, Carmichael College, Begum Rokeya University, Polytechnic Institute, or Police Lines School and College was present at our meeting. Before July 15, 2024, there was no committee for the anti-quota movement at RCCI Public School and College. I am a former student of Rangpur Zilla School and a member of the Zilla School Students’ Forum.

The program for July 16, 2024, was announced by Mahir Faisal on the night of July 15, 2024. Before July 19, 2024, I was not part of any WhatsApp group for the anti-discrimination student movement. It is not true that the decision for the movement was not made by the Rangpur Zilla Student Forum, but rather by the students of Begum Rokeya University and Carmichael College.

It is also not true  that the Rangpur Zilla Student Forum had no role in planning the anti-discrimination student movement’s program. On July 16, 2024, I arrived in front of Rangpur Zilla School between approximately 12:00 PM and 12:20 PM. I went with the procession to the front of Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. On July 16, 2024, our procession moved from Rangpur Zilla School to the front of the Press Club. I cannot say how long our procession waited there because it was very large. I was in the middle of the procession. It is not true that we were met with resistance in front of the Press Club. We blocked the road in front of Rangpur Zilla School from about 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM. The distance from the Press Club to Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University is around 2 to 2.5 kilometers.

It is not true that the distance is around 7 kilometers.

Students from Rangpur Government Medical College, Rangpur Carmichael College, or the Polytechnic Institute were not in our procession. Students from almost all college-level institutions in Rangpur, such as Rangpur Police Lines School and College, Rangpur Cantonment Public School and College, Rangpur Border Guard Public School and College, Bir Uttam Shahid Samad School and College, Millennium Stars Public School and College, Rangpur Zilla School, Rangpur Government Girls’ High School, Lions School and College, RCCI, and other educational institutions were present in our procession. I cannot name the principals of these institutions; I only know the name of the principal of RCCI. I cannot name the principals or hall superintendents of Rangpur Medical College and Carmichael College. A portion of the students from Begum Rokeya University joined our procession in front of the Press Club.

The students of Carmichael College joined our procession in two separate parts. One group joined at the intersection of the Chartola, and another group came from Carmichael College and joined us in front of Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. Before the shooting, student leaders Abdus Safi, Imran Ahmed Chad, and Hanif Khan Sajib gave speeches in front of Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University.

It is not true that these three student leaders led the entire procession. They partially led some parts of it. Cameramen from various TV channels were also present at Rangpur Zilla School, Police Lines, the Press Club, and in front of Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. I have seen footage from various TV channels, CCTV footage from Begum Rokeya University, and videos of the movement recorded on the mobile phones of quota protesters. In any of that footage, I saw the accused, Shariful Islam. I saw the accused Shariful Islam in the CCTV footage from inside Rokeya University. In the university’s CCTV footage, the time of the shooting is shown as 2:11:32 PM in the afternoon. According to the university’s CCTV footage, I cannot say what time I last saw Shariful Islam. I do not remember if Shariful Islam left the scene 22 minutes before 2:11 PM, according to this CCTV footage. I do not recall if I saw the accused Shariful Islam in the NTV video footage shown today.

Defense: Your Lordship, then let the video be shown to him since he cannot remember. After watching it, let him say whether he saw my client or not.(The video was played in the open tribunal).

I did not see the accused Shariful Islam in this footage from NTV. I do not know the names of any of the provosts of the halls at Rokeya University, but I know the name of Dr. Shariful Islam. I was not present on August 18, 2024, when Abu Sayeed’s brother filed a case at the Rangpur Metropolitan Magistrate Court. Before August 5, 2024, I was associated with a non-political student organization, namely the anti-discrimination student movement.

I am known as Ayan Hasan Bishakto (Toxic/ Venomous). This is partially true. In 2018, my Facebook ID’s nickname was Bishakto. I used to use this nickname, which was “Venomous” in English and translates to “Bishakto” in Bengali, while playing games like PUBG and Call of Duty. It is not true that I introduce myself with different names at different times. In the last paragraph of my testimony, where it says “We also noticed that…,” the term “we” refers to those who were with me: Nirab Puthial, Rafiul Islam Riyad, Jihad Al Lipon, Sabbir Hossain Miraj, Hosne Mobarok Bedanto, and other protesters.

It is not true that none of the aforementioned individuals were with me in the procession on July 16, 2024.

It is also not true that I made the statement that the accused, Professor Shariful Islam, assisted the attackers in various ways based on what others taught me.

It is not true that I have mixed falsehoods with some truths while giving my testimony in this tribunal.

Cross-Examination by the State recruited Defense Counsel Barrister Israt Jahan Oni (In favour of the Absconding Accused no. 2-Md. Monir, 3-7)

He first adopted theCross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)

During the movement, I learned the names of various police officers, including the Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner, from different online media outlets where they were marked. The Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner MD Moniruzzaman, assisted by giving directions. I did not hear him give the directive myself, but I learned about it from online media and the protesters. Among the online media, there was the online group of DRB News and various other online groups related to the movement. These groups did not have specific names, except for one which was called the “Anti-discrimination Student Movement, Rangpur.” I do not know if the protesters were throwing brickbats when Abu Sayed stood with his arms outstretched, but we were hit by brickbats.

I could not identify the police officer who shot me. I did not file a case with the police or in court about being shot. I later learned about the injury to the back of Abu Sayed’s head through online media and from other protesters. About one to two minutes after I moved Abu Sayed vai to a safe place, other protesters put him in a rickshaw and took him to the medical college. When they put him in the rickshaw, it was around 2:30 PM. Approximately two to three people went with Abu Sayed, one of whom was named Shaju. I do not remember the names of the others. I received the news of Abu Sayed’s death at around 3:00 to 3:20 PM from the protesters. Among those protesters, I specifically remember one name, which is Sajjad Hossain. He is a student at Carmichael College. He informed us by telling us directly. I cannot say for sure which police officer struck the back of Abu Sayed’s head, but AC Arifuzzaman was leading that team.

It is not true that Abu Sayed was hit on the back of the head by a brickbat thrown by the protesters and that he died as a result of that injury.

Cross-Examination has been declined by the Defense Counsel Md. Shahidul Islam (In favour of Absconding Accused no. 15-Amin Hossain, 25, 26, 27 and 28)

Cross-Examination by the State recruited Defense Counsel Mamun-Ur-Rashid (In favour of Absconding Accused no. 16-Pomel Barua, 17-22, 24):

[First he adopted the Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

Before July 2024, RCCI Public School and College had student union activities, but there was no formal committee. On the morning of the incident, various post bearers of the Chhatra League attacked our assembly. In that attack, Shahriar Shohag, Abdus Safi, Moon, and I, among many others, were injured. I do not know if the injured were admitted to any Hospital, but the injured Moon was admitted to Rangpur Medical College.

It is not true that I gave a false confession involving accused Pomel Barua, Shamim, Rabbi, Akhter, Arif, Togor, Babul and Masud because I was not given a significant post in the Rangpur district committee of the Chhatra League.

It is also not true that I have given an emotional confession, mixing truth with falsehood.

Cross-Examination by the State recruited Defense Counsel Sujat Mia (In favour of Absconding Accused no. 1-Prof. Hasibur Rahman, 11-Hafizur Rahman, 12-Sarwar Hossain, 14 and 30):

[First he adopted the Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

Park Mor (Intersection of the Park) is located on the north side of the Biam Shopping Complex. It is situated very close to the Biam Shopping Complex. There are no notable establishments between the Biam Shopping Complex and Park Mor. Begum Rokeya University is located to the west of the main road. The incident started from inside the university. According to my knowledge, the shooting was carried out from within the university boundary, and Abu Sayed was shot outside the boundary.

Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Sheikh Mustabhi (In favour of Present Accused no. 13-Rafiul Hasan Rasel):

[First he adopted the Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

On July 16, 2024, I cannot recall the whereabouts of the accused, Rafiul Hasan Rasel, at the time of the incident. I also cannot remember if I saw the accused, Rafiul Hasan, in the NTV footage (Exhibit-I). I learned through online media that Rafiul assisted the attackers. I cannot remember the exact date I learned this. The accused, Rafiul, primarily aided the attackers by first instigating the police and then by pointing out students for targeted killings, thus contributing to the violence. I did not personally witness him inciting the police or pointing out individuals.

It is not true that I mentioned the name of the accused, Rafiul Hasan Rasel, in my testimony at the prompting of others. It is also not true that I have given false testimony in the hope of receiving various benefits.

Cross-Examination by the State recruited Defense Counsel Md. Salauddin (In favour of Present Accused no. 23 and 29):

[First he adopted the Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

I cannot recall if I saw the accused, Apel and Akash, in the video footage shown today. Before July 16, 2024, I had never been to the proctor’s office at Begum Rokeya University. I partially understand the difference between an officer and an employee. I have never met the accused, Apel and Akash.

It is not true that the investigating officer introduced these accused to me today.

Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Azizur Rahman (In favour of Present Accused no. 8- Amir Hossain, 9- Sujan Chandra Roy):

The baton charge happened first, and the shooting occurred later. According to my testimony, the tear gas shell landed in Abu Sayed Chattar, but I cannot remember the approximate time. I cannot say what the length and width of Abu Sayed Chattar are. According to my testimony, the time of the injury to the back of Abu Sayed’s head was between approximately 1:55 PM and 2:10 PM. The incident happened on the alleyway parallel to Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. This alley is located on the east side of Gate No. 1. “….along with 40/50 other members….. attacked us”. This attack started between 2:15 PM and 2:20 PM in front of Gate No. 1 of Rokeya University. I do not know the time of the order given by the then Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina that I mentioned in my testimony i.e. “On the orders of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina……”.

The shooting in which I was injured occurred at approximately 2:17 to 2:20 PM on the east side of the road, parallel to Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. The time of the shooting of the deceased Abu Sayed was 2:17 PM, and the location was on the west side of the island, parallel to Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. I was not with Abu Sayed at the time of the injury to the back of his head. At the time of this injury, I was within the visible distance. About 10 to 15 police personnel in uniform baton-charged Abu Sayed and other protesters. However, I cannot say how many of them specifically baton-charged Abu Sayed only. I did not know Abu Sayed personally before July 16, 2024. I learned his identity in the afternoon after he was injured. I have seen the video of the injury to the back of Abu Sayed’s head in the media. I cannot remember if I have seen any video aired on Al Jazeera about the July movement, including the injury to the back of Abu Sayed’s head. I cannot say for how long Abu Sayed was baton-charged. Besides the police, I saw other civilians, including protesters, during the baton charge on Abu Sayed.

The approximate distance from the Biam Shopping Complex to where Abu Sayed was standing was 20 to 35 meters. The distance from the Biam Shopping Complex to the location of the baton charge on Abu Sayed was approximately 5 to 10 meters. The distance from where Abu Sayed was standing to the boundary wall of Begum Rokeya University was approximately 8 to 11 meters.

Other than the wound on the left side of my body, there are no other injury marks on my body. The wound on the left side of my body has not any stitching mark. I cannot remember if I saw any stitches or bandages on the front part of Abu Sayed’s body. On July 16, 2024, at around 12:00 PM, when I went to the protest in front of Rangpur Zilla School, there were approximately 150 to 200 of my classmates with me. We did not break through Gate No. 1 or any part of the boundary wall of Begum Rokeya University to enter.

It is not true that I have given false testimony under oath in this tribunal.