Evidence given by Muhid Hossain 

Age: 42 Occupation: Photojournalist, Dainik Ekattorer Kotha, Sylhet Branch

On 19 July 2024 (Friday), after the Jumu’ah prayer at the Collector Mosque, a gayebana janaza (funeral prayer in absentia) was held for those who were killed in the July Movement. I went there to cover the event as part of my professional duty.

After the janaza, a peaceful protest procession began, moving towards Zindabazar. I was on duty along with my fellow journalist, the late Abu Turab. While we were performing our duties, we identified ourselves to the police by saying we were journalists. Despite this, the police opened fire in our direction.

As a result, my colleague Abu Turab was shot and collapsed on the ground. He worked for Dainik Jalalabadand Dainik Dighonto. We first took him by rickshaw, then later by CNG (auto-rickshaw) to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital. When the police obstructed treatment there, he was transferred to Ibn Sina Hospital, where he died at around 6:45 PM.

The police officers responsible for the shooting include ADC Sadek Kawser Dostogi, AC of Kotwali Mizanur Rahman, and Officer Mohiuddin of Kotwali Police Station, along with other policemen.

Later, after giving my statement to the investigating officer in January, I came to know—through documentaries aired by Al Jazeera and BBC—that the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had given the order to open fire. I believe the then Home Minister and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) were also responsible for this incident.

As part of my evidence, I am submitting a pen drive containing two videos, which I mark as Exhibit XVIII.

Cross-Examination

It is not true that I did not tell the investigating officer about Abu Turab.

It is not true that I did not mention to the investigating officer that ADC Sadek Kawser opened fire.

It is not true that the police did not shoot at us.

It is not true that the video presented as evidence was created by me.

It is not true that anything resembling a bomb was thrown at the police.

It is not true that there was no tear gas smoke visible at the scene.

It is not true that Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (the then Home Minister) were not involved in this incident.

Humayun Kabir Liton (Witness 31
Age: 42

This witness was tendered by the prosecution together with witness no 30, Muhid Hossain