Testimony of Md. Arman Hossain

My name is MD Arman Hossain. I am 26 years old. My father’s name is the XXX.  My mother’s name is XXX. My permanent address is XXX Noakhali.

Currently, I reside in the XXXX  in Rangpur Metropolitan City.

I am a student from the 2019-2020 session of the Department of Mathematics at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur. I am currently pursuing my master’s in the same department in the 2023-2024 session. In 2018, a movement against the quota system was held under the leadership of former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque Nur. In the context of the then-government accepting the students’ demands, the students withdrew their movement. However, in 2024, the High Court Division issued a verdict reinstating the quota. As a result, a non-violent student movement began again across Bangladesh, and students all over the country took to the streets.

In that context, the students of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University also started a movement. Despite the general students of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University holding a movement, the Chhatra League cadres there did not participate in the general students’ movement. Instead, they tried to suppress the movement through various threats and intimidation at different times. On July 11, 2024, at the Begum Rokeya University campus, Chhatra League cadre Pomel Barua slapped my fellow protester Abu Sayeed, and Masudul Hasan choked him.

On July 14, 2024, after returning from a China tour, the then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a press briefing, “If the grandchildren of freedom fighters don’t get jobs, will the grandchildren of Razakars get them?” In protest of her derogatory remarks, students across Bangladesh took to the streets in protest. Following this event, the students of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University, on that very night, that is, on the night of July 14, 2024, held a large protest rally. At that time, non-residential students from various student messes, residential students from halls, and female students, breaking the locks on their hall gates, gathered at Gate No. 1 of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University, now known as Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate. They then marched to Rangpur Modern Mor (roundabout), circled the campus, and came back.

However, on that night, Chhatra League cadres on campus, including Pomel Barua, Shamim Mahfuz, Babul Toger, Mosharraf, Mrittunjoy, Fazle Rabbi, and Sabbir, among others, took a position against our movement. When our protest rally reached the campus hall road intersection, they took up positions there with sticks, rods, and local weapons. When we went there, they threw sticks, rods, and bricks at us. That day, although no lives were lost due to the mediation of former Proctor Shariful

Islam, two of our students were injured by bricks thrown by the Chhatra League.

Entirely separate from these proceedings, the lawyer Defence Counsel ZI Khan Panna sought permission to speak to his client 

I wanted to speak for a moment. I am requesting your permission to consult with my client, Hasanul Haq Inu, separately.

Chairman: If you want to do that, you can, but it has to be with the prosecutor. So you may consult with your client in the presence of a Prosecutor.

Defense: Yes, I have no problem with that. Should I do it here, or would it be better to go somewhere else?

Chairman: It’s not possible to do it outside, since you want to do it privately. So, for your convenience, it would be better if you consulted with him in jail. I think that would be more convenient for you.

Defense: Yes, that’s what I was trying to say. Much obliged, your Lordship.

They were taken to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. On July 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM, we called for a protest rally. But at the assembly point on campus, the Chhatra League cadres brought in goons from outsider Awami League affiliate organizations, namely Jubo League, and gathered them at the rally point. As a result, we could not hold the protest rally that day. When we tried to gather nearby, the Chhatra League cadres showed us various sticks and local weapons and verbally abused us with obscene language.

That night, Pomel Barua made a post on his Facebook timeline that said, “The field is empty, the Rajpath (Field of Political Protest) is clear.” His associate, Babul, made a post in a Facebook group for Rangpur Begum Rokeya University with the word “Kurut”(Imitative Sound- like that made by the bolt of a spring-lock when turned by a key) in a satirical sense. Since we couldn’t hold the protest rally on July 15, 2024, we devised a strategy for a rally on July 16, 2024. That day, although we scheduled the program for 3:00 PM, we started gathering gradually at the assembly point, which is Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University, from noon. Since morning that day, Chhatra League cadres and the police force had been positioned inside the campus. At that time, former Proctor of Begum Rokeya University, Shariful Islam, and camp in-charge Bibhuti Bhushan Roy were talking amongst themselves, which we later saw in CCTV footage.

DC (Crime) Abu Maruf and ADC (DB) Shahnur Alam Patwari were giving various instructions to the police force present there. The police force was so aggressive that day, in a way I hadn’t seen in previous movements. It seemed to me that they were following orders from higher authorities. On July 16, 2024, AC Arifuzzaman and AC Imran Hossain were controlling the police force present there. They were repeatedly talking to someone on their walkie-talkies. Whatever instructions they received, they were relaying to the police force for implementation.

That day, we were scattered in different groups. Some were on Chawkbazar Road, some were at the wooden bridge opposite to Gate No. 1, and some were at the entrance of Sarderpara Road. When a procession from the city came towards the Begum Rokeya University campus, we joined that procession. A few of us, including myself, led the procession and tried to enter the campus, but the police stopped us. We repeatedly said that we would not stay on campus, we would just march around it and leave. We only said that we did not need police permission to enter our campus. Even so, the police did not let us in.

After some arguments, the police, without any warning, suddenly started a baton charge and fired tear gas shells at us. There, my fellow protester, Arifuzzaman Joy, was brutally beaten by the police. We were scattered. The most disappointing thing was that two teachers, Mashiur Rahman from the Department of Mathematics and Asad Mandal from the Department of Public Administration, who are a disgrace to their profession, were wearing helmets and siding with the police against us. They were throwing bricks at us. It wasn’t just teachers that day; various Awami League-minded officials and employees also took a vocal stance against us. The most aggressive among them was Nur Nabi. Besides him, Registrar Hafizur Rahman Tufan, Moniruzzaman Palash, Apel, Babu, and Johnny, among many others, were present.

Rafi-ul-Hasan Rasel was telling the police, “Why don’t you shoot?” When the police scattered us, we couldn’t bear the tear gas and moved away, but the brave Abu Sayeed did not back down. Finding him alone, several members of the police force struck him in various parts of his body with sticks, rods, and other weapons. Abu Sayeed suffered an injury to the back of his head. Abu Sayeed repeatedly called for us to gather, and responding to his call, we gathered again at the assembly point. Seeing us gather, the police entered the campus gate. When some of us opened the campus gate, we saw ADC Shahnur Alam Patwari, AC Arifuzzaman, OC of Tajhat Police Station Rabiul Islam, and campus police outpost in-charge Bibhuti Bhushan Roy consulting among themselves. They were then giving various instructions to other police members.

Receiving orders from a higher official, a group of overzealous police officers rushed towards the campus gate. Among them were SI (Sub-Inspector) Amir Ali and Constable Sujan Chandra Roy. They came near the pillar of Gate No. 1, and at approximately 2:15 PM, within a few seconds of each other, first SI Amir Ali and then Constable Sujan Chandra Roy shot Abu Sayeed in the chest.

At first, Abu Sayeed fell down, but then he stood up again, puffing out his chest. Even after that, he was shot again. Unable to bear the gunshot wounds, Abu Sayeed went behind the road divider and sat down. Then, Ayan, who was nearby, caught him.  Abu Sayeed was telling Ayan to save him. At around 3:30 PM, we received the news of Abu Sayeed’s death. Although we were heartbroken by this, we did not back down from the movement; rather, we continued it with even greater intensity. Our clashes and running battles with the Chhatra League cadres continued for about two hours.

Later in the evening, when the BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) tried to take up a position on campus, citing security reasons, we protested. At one point, faced with our strong protest, the BGB was forced to retreat. Around 7:00 PM, we declared Gate No. 1 as “Shaheed Abu Sayeed Gate” and, taking an oath to continue the movement, we ended the protest for that day. We demand the maximum punishment for the then-fascist head of government Sheikh Hasina, Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Ministry Obaidul Quader, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and all other ministers of the government. We also demand punishment for university teachers Moshiur Rahman, Asad Mandal, and others who were involved. The officials and employees whose names I have already mentioned in my deposition, and from the police force: DC (Deputy Commissioner) (Crime) Abu Maruf, ADC (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Shahnur Alam Patwari, AC (Assistant Commissioner) Arifuzzaman, AC Imran Hossain, OC (Officer-in-Charge) of Tajhat Police Station, campus police outpost in-charge Bibhuti Bhushan Roy, SI Amir Ali, Constable Sujan Chandra Roy, and others who were directly or indirectly involved in this murder; as a co-fighter of Abu Sayeed, I demand justice against all of them. I demand exemplary punishment for everyone whose name I have mentioned in the deposition.

I gave my statement to the investigating officer on May 25, 2025. He 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 had given me a notice, but I do not remember the specific date it was issued. On May 25, 2025, after approximately 2:00 PM, I went to the Dhanmondi office, where the investigating officer interrogated me. Shamsur Rahman Sumon, Ashikur Rahman, Mahid Shakil, Ripon, Noyon, and I, from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of Rangpur Begum Rokeya University, gave our depositions to the investigating officer on May 25, 2025. We stayed at the Dhanmondi office for approximately 5-6 hours.

My honors degree is four years, and my master’s degree is one year. My master’s classes and exams are not yet finished. My first semester of master’s is complete, and the second semester is ongoing. I have not lived in any hall during these 6 years of my studies. I am a frontline student leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Rangpur Begum Rokeya University. Shahriar Sohag alias Sohag Ali, Akib Reza Khan, SM Ashikur Rahman, Abu Sayeed, and Abdus Shafi (Carmichael College); all of them were frontline student leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

On July 11, 2024, the Chhatra League cadres spread a rumor that the students of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had physically assaulted the then-Proctor of Begum Rokeya University, Mohammad Shariful Islam. On July 11, 2024, the then-Proctor of Begum Rokeya University, Mohammad Shariful Islam, gave interviews to various TV channels and, in response to journalists’ questions, said that no student had assaulted him.

On July 14, 2024, I do not remember the names of the two injured students at this moment. I also do not remember how many days they received treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital. On July 15, 2024, due to the failure of the program, on the night of that date, Shahriar Sohag Ali, Sakib Reza Khan, SM Ashikur Rahman, and many other student leaders decided on a program for July 16, 2024. I was not present at that meeting.

It is not true that Shahriar Sohag alias Sohag Ali, Akib Reza Khan, and SM Ashikur Rahman decided to hold a rally at 10:00 AM on July 16, 2024. We, a few students, decided on the strategy for July 16, 2024, by discussing it in our Messenger group. We did not inform the opposition organization, the university authorities, or our general students about this strategy.

The means of communication among the fellow protesters of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement from various educational institutions in Rangpur city were various Messenger groups and WhatsApp groups. There were also other groups besides “Quota Reformation Movement Rangpur 1, 2, 3,” “Metropolitan Quota Reformation Movement,” “Quota Reinstatement Will Not Be Allowed” and “Quota Reform,” which were Messenger or WhatsApp groups. Among the other groups were the Telegram group “Initiative” and the Facebook group “What I Have Seen Coming to Begum Rokeya University.” There were also some other groups whose names cannot be mentioned. A movement was held one day before Eid. After the Eid holiday, the movement was ongoing from July 1, 2024.

Defense: According to your statement, the movement that took place from July 1, 2024, to July 11, 2024….,,,,,

Objection raised by the Prosecutor Tarafdar: You cannot conduct a cross-examination on the cross-examination.

(The objection was sustained.)

Proctor had taken steps to protect the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement from attacks by the opposition. From July 1, 2024, to July 16, 2024, the teachers were protesting for the cancellation of the “Prattyay” scheme. On July 16, 2024, when we were at the then-Gate No. 1, we did not see Proctor Shariful Islam talking to the camp in-charge because the gate was locked. Shamim, a lawyer from Rangpur, and his chamber’s associates, along with Shamsur Rahman Sumon, SM Ashikur Rahman, Imran Ahmed Noyon Mia, and Mahid Shakil, and a few others, watched the CCTV footage. I do not remember the date and time. When we watched the CCTV footage, Abu Sayeed’s brother, Ramzan Ali, was not present there. I have seen the NTV video footage. There is a 27-minute time difference between that video and the CCTV footage of Begum Rokeya University. I have not seen in the footage whether Proctor Shariful Islam went inside the campus 22 minutes before the tear gas and baton charge in the CCTV footage. In my presence, I have not seen Proctor Shariful Islam instigating anyone or trying to suppress the movement. I am seen in the NTV and Begum Rokeya University’s CCTV footage.

It is not true that after submitting the investigation report to this tribunal, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of Begum Rokeya University held a press conference on June 26, 2025, for the withdrawal of the said investigation report. Before the submission of the investigation report, we had demanded a public hearing.

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

On July 16, 2024, after the Zuhr prayer, I came to the front of Gate No. 1 from my residence in Sardarpara. I arrived at approximately 1:40 to 1:45 PM. The Begum Rokeya University campus is enclosed by a boundary wall on the part adjacent to the west side of the Dhaka-Rangpur highway. I do not know how long it takes to circle the Begum Rokeya University campus once. I do not remember the exact time when Abu Sayeed was baton-charged. I also do not remember how long after my arrival the baton charge occurred. When Abu Sayeed was being baton-charged, I was about 20 to 25 yards away from him, to the southeast.

On July 16, 2024, I recognized a few of the police officers present at Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University. After the program ended in the evening, I left the location. On July 16, 2024, at Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University, a part of the police force was positioned inside the gate, while the remaining contingent also took a position there. The Chhatra League cadres were positioned behind the police, inside the campus. Since Gate No. 1 was closed, there was no way to identify their names and ranks from a distance.

I do not remember the exact number of police officers who baton-charged Abu Sayeed. The CCTV footage we watched—I do not know where it was collected from. We watched the said CCTV footage at Advocate Shamim’s chamber. I do not remember the exact date and time we watched it, but it was after noon. I cannot say specifically what instructions were given over the walkie-talkie. On July 16, 2024, I did not take up a position at the wooden bridge. A section of the protesters took up a position on Chawkbazar Road, but I do not know their identities. The distance from the wooden bridge to Gate No. 1 is approximately 20 to 30 yards. The distances from the entrance of Sardarpara Road and from Chawkbazar to Gate No. 1 are approximately 20-30 yards and 20-25 yards, respectively.

The procession coming from the city arrived in front of Gate No. 1 at approximately 2:00 PM. I cannot say the time when Arifuzzaman Joy was beaten. Tear gas shells did not hit my body directly, but my eyes were burning due to the tear gas. I saw the incident of Abu Sayeed being hit on the back of his head with my own eyes, but I did not see it in the video. Seeing us gather, the police then entered the Begum Rokeya University campus. I cannot say specifically what time that was. I saw the police officers who entered the campus from Gate No. 1. With the gate open, I saw the police consulting among themselves from the front of Gate No. 1. I cannot say how many police members were consulting.

I saw two senior police officers with walkie-talkies in their hands inside the campus; they were AC Arifuzzaman and OC Rabiul Islam. During the stone-throwing amid the arguments on July 14, 2024, I cannot state the exact time.

It is not true that I have given false testimony against the accused, Sujan Chandra Roy and Amir Hossain, without any prior identification, as instructed by the investigating officer.

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):

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

On July 14, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, I joined the procession. The distance from Rangpur Modern Mor (roundabout) to Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University is approximately half a kilometer. On July 16, 2024, I was positioned at Sardarpara Mor. I did not go to Rangpur Medical College Hospital to retrieve Abu Sayeed’s body. Before July 16, 2024, I had not seen or heard of students and teachers protesting against each other.

It is not true that I gave false testimony by imaginatively describing the scene inside the campus from outside Gate No. 1 of Begum Rokeya University.

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 the Cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Azizur Rahman (In favour of Present Accused no. 8- Amir Hossain, 9- Sujan Chandra Roy) and the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

When DC (Crime) Abu Maruf and ADC (DB) Shahnur Alam Patwari were giving directions, I was positioned at the entrance of Sardarpara. I could not hear what instructions they gave. I knew the two officers beforehand. On July 16, 2024, AC Arifuzzaman and AC Imran Hossain gave instructions to the police force. I understood this from a distance, but I could not hear what instructions they gave.

It is not true that the protesting students and the public were throwing bricks and stones at the police. I could not identify the police members who hit Abu Sayeed with batons. By looking at the wound, I could not determine what he was hit on the back of his head with. I cannot say for certain what instructions the senior police officers gave to their subordinates. The injury to the back of his head occurred first; the shooting happened later.

It is not true that when Abu Sayeed was shot, the accused, Arifuzzaman, Shahnur Alam Patwari, Bibhuti Bhushan Roy, and Rabiul Islam, were absent.

It is not true that Abu Sayeed died from bricks thrown by the protesters or that any senior police officer did not give any instructions to anyone else.

Cross-Examination 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 Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam) has been adopted.]

On July 16, 2024, the teachers of Begum Rokeya University were on a work break, but the campus was open.

It is not true that on July 16, 2024, while the campus was open, Section Officers, Computer Operators, MLSS, and cleaners were performing their duties at their workplaces.

(Explanation: They left their office work and were throwing bricks and stones at the students.)

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

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

[He first adopted the cross examination of the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

During the July movement, a student organization, namely the Chhatra League, was active at Begum Rokeya University. I was not affiliated with any student organization.

It is not true that on July 11, 2024, the president of the Chhatra League at Begum Rokeya University, Pomel Barua, did not slap Abu Sayeed, or that the accused, Masudur Hasan, did not choke him.

It is not true that I falsely implicated the accused no. 16-22 and 24, because I was not given any important positions in the Chhatra League.

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

[He first adopted the cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Azizur Rahman (In favour of Present Accused no. 8- Amir Hossain, 9- Sujan Chandra Roy) and the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

I cannot say the exact time I saw the accused, Rafi-ul-Hasan Rasel. The accused was positioned near Gate No. 1, inside the campus. The distance from my position to Rafi-ul-Hasan Rasel was approximately 10-12 yards. The said accused was previously known to me. I cannot recall at this moment whether the accused Rafi-ul-Hasan was seen in the NTV report’s live video footage. “Why don’t you shoot?” I heard this sentence with my own ears, but I cannot state the exact time it was said by the accused Rafiul.

It is not true that the accused, Rafi-ul-Hasan Rasel, did not utter the said sentence.

It is not true that I have given false testimony with the hope of receiving illegal benefits from the government.

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

[He first adopted the cross-Examination by the Defense Counsel Azizur Rahman (In favour of Present Accused no. 8- Amir Hossain, 9- Sujan Chandra Roy) and the Defense Counsel Aminul Gani Titu (In favour of Present Accused no. 10-Md. Shoriful Islam)]

When the gate of Begum Rokeya University was closed, I did not see the police, Chhatra League, or university officials and employees who were inside. I saw and identified those who threw bricks and stones in the CCTV footage.

It is not true that the gate of Begum Rokeya University was closed to keep the situation calm or that we forcibly entered the gate. I saw and identified the accused, Anwar Parvez Apel, in the CCTV. I cannot state the specific number of officials and employees who threw bricks and stones at the protesters from inside. I have mentioned the names of the Chhatra League members I saw in my deposition.

It is not true that I did not see the accused, Apel, at the scene of the incident.

It is not true that my name was on the six-member convening committee of the student council of Begum Rokeya University.

It is not true that I have knowingly given false testimony.