Testimony of Dr. Zakia Sultana Nila

My name is Dr. Zakia Sultana Nila. I am 40 years old. I am currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital.

From 17 July 2024, during the July–August People’s Uprising, gunshot-injured patients began arriving at our hospital. On that very day, five injured patients were admitted.

On 18 July 2024, the situation escalated. That day, while I was occupied in the operation theatre (OT), I was informed at midday that a large number of injured patients had arrived and required treatment. On that day alone, around 100 patients were admitted and another 100 received emergency first aid.

When I went to the emergency department, I witnessed a horrific scene: hundreds of injured patients, mostly aged between 14 and 25, were lying in distress. Some were covering one eye with one hand, others holding both eyes with both hands.

That day, until 9:00 PM, we performed surgeries on ten OT tables simultaneously. The next day (Friday), the same situation continued — from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM, surgeries were ongoing.

Most of the patients treated at our hospital were injured by metallic pellets, while some had been hit by live bullets. The pattern of injuries revealed that in most cases the cornea was perforated, often along with the sclera.

Again, on 4th, 5th, and 6th August 2024, countless injured patients were admitted and underwent surgeries.

From the records of our hospital, among the patients treated: 493 patients permanently lost vision in one eye; 11 patients permanently lost vision in both eyes; 47 patients are suffering from severe visual impairment in one eye; 28 patients are suffering from severe visual impairment in both eyes, and 43 patients are suffering from general visual impairment.

For safety reasons, many patients deliberately concealed their real identities, using false names and incorrect mobile numbers.

The Investigating Officer questioned me in connection with these incidents. I also prepared a PowerPoint presentation, containing photographs and data of the injured patients, which I wish to present before this Tribunal.

This pen drive, containing the presentation, is being submitted as Material Exhibit XIV. This is my testimony.

Cross-Examination

I do not remember whether I told the Investigating Officer that I saw patients covering one eye with one hand.

I do not remember whether I told the Investigating Officer that from 8:00 AM that day the situation was as I have described.

It is not true that there is any inconsistency between the number of patients I have described today and what I told the Investigating Officer.

I prepared the displayed PowerPoint presentation on my own initiative.

It is not true that the contents of the displayed PowerPoint presentation are false.