Evidence given by Md. Sohel Mahmud

I sustain my livelihood by renting out my house. On the morning of 05-08-2024, I went in front of Sharif Medical, near my house, to participate in the movement. That day there was a curfew and the students had called the program “March to Dhaka.” At around 12:00 noon I returned home. While at home, I came to know that Sheikh Hasina had fled. After that, I came out of my house again and went in front of Sharif Medical. There I saw thousands of people marching towards Sharif Medical in a victory procession.

From the opposite side, police fired tear shells and bullets targeting the procession, causing it to disperse. I, along with some others, took shelter in my house. I went up to the roof of my cousin’s house. Some people took shelter in the rickshaw garage of my brother-in-law, Hafizur Rahman Topon, which is right next to my house. From the roof, I saw a few policemen taking one person out of the garage and taking him to the cemetery in front of my house, where they shot him dead on the spot. The police then carried the body towards the police station. Among the policemen present were OC Ashraf and DB’s AC. Later I came to know that the one who fired the shot was Constable Akram, and the person who was shot was named Hridoy. The next morning I learned that the police had taken away the body.

For this killing, Sheikh Hasina, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, other ministers, as well as the local police and Awami League leaders and activists, are responsible. I seek proper justice from the Tribunal.

Cross-Examination

It is not true that I did not tell the investigating officer that I went in front of Sharif Medical to participate in the movement.

It is not true that I did not tell the investigating officer the statements regarding “I, along with some others … carried the body away.”

It is not true that I have given false testimony.

There were other people with me on the roof, but I cannot state their names.

The fact that Hridoy was shot by Akram I came to know from Hridoy’s brother-in-law. I do not know his name.

It is not true that Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are innocent.