My name is Naim Shikder. My current age is approximately 22 years. My address is: Village – XX, Thana – Barguna, District – Barguna.

In 2024, I was a first-year student of Political Science at Haji Mohammad Mohsin College, Khulna.

We knew that due to the quota system, meritorious students were being deprived of jobs. Although the quota system was abolished in 2018 following a movement, in 2024 it was reinstated by a judgment of the High Court. Consequently, a nationwide anti-quota movement began.

On 14 July 2024, then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a press conference, said: “If the children of freedom fighters do not get jobs, then should the children and grandchildren of Razakars get them?” Obaidul Quader said: “The Chhatra League alone is enough to suppress these protesters.” Following such provocative remarks, students across the country took to the streets. Thereafter, the Chhatra League launched widespread attacks on the protesters. I also participated in the movement in Khulna.

On 4 August 2024 at around 3:00 pm, I, along with my friend Rakib and three other students, joined the protest at Shibbari Mor, Khulna City. More than ten thousand students had gathered there. The students divided into two groups – one heading towards Khulna University and the other towards Nagar Bhaban (City Corporation office). Our group moved towards Nagar Bhaban. When we reached there, chase and counter-chase ensued between police and protesters. The Khulna Police Commissioner was present at the spot. At one stage, under the order of Police Commissioner Mozammel, the police began throwing sound grenades and tear shells at us. In the smoke and chaos, the Chhatra League attacked us.

When we surrounded the police from all sides, the police surrendered and retreated from the area. We continued to hold our position there. At around 6:00 pm, the police suddenly opened fire on us. A policeman, from a distance of just 5 meters, shot directly at me. Around 500 pellets pierced my back, and bullets struck other parts of my body as well. This shooting took place in front of the Mayor’s residence. Injured, I fell on the road.

My fellow protesters tried to take me to three different hospitals nearby, but none admitted me. They said: “We cannot admit you; this is Sheikh Hasina’s order.” Eventually, I was taken by autorickshaw to Khulna Medical Hospital. There, too, I was denied treatment and kept for five hours without care. Later, at my request, one doctor removed a large bullet from my back without anesthesia. (At this point, the witness shows the tribunal the multiple bullet wounds on his back.)

Afterwards, members of Chhatra League started searching for us. I was hidden in a room where I remained until 19 August. From 19–25 August 2024, I received treatment at the Navy Camp Upshom Hospital. From 25 August – 20 October 2024, I received treatment at Jessore CMH (Combined Military Hospital). Later, I was sent to Dhaka for further treatment. At present, I am under treatment at PG Hospital (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital). From there, I have come to give this testimony.

For this indiscriminate shooting, those responsible are: former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Khulna City Mayor Talukder Abdul Khaleque, Khulna Police Commissioner, Deputy Police Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Commissioner, Officers-in-Charge (OCs), leaders and activists of Awami League and Chhatra League.

Through Al Jazeera, BBC, and other news outlets, I came to know how Sheikh Hasina gave the order to open fire. After the shooting, we even saw videos on our phones showing her reporting to the Home Minister. I, along with all other protesters who were subjected to such torture, demand justice.

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

Cross by Amir Hossain:

Question: Were any of your known fellow protesters’ parents or grandparents Razakars?
Answer: No, none of the parents or grandparents of my known fellow protesters were Razakars. We are not sons or grandsons of any Razakar.

Question: Is it true that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to any of you as grandsons of Razakars?
Answer: That is not true.

Question: Were Rakib and the three students who were with you questioned by the investigating officer?
Answer: No, they were not questioned by the investigating officer.

Question: Can you confirm the exact time of the Maghrib call to prayer on 4 August?
Answer: I cannot confirm whether the Maghrib Azan was given at exactly 6:45 pm on that day.

(At this point, the prosecution, led by Mizanul Islam, objects, arguing that asking this type of question falls under “corroboration”. Amir Hossain counters, stating that it is not corroboration but a potential “contradiction”, and contradictions are permitted. The Chairman responds that, under Rule 46 of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, not the CrPC, such questions are allowed. The prosecutor, Tolobdar, further argues that corroboration is strictly prohibited and attempts to clarify the distinction between corroboration and contradiction by providing examples. However, the Chairman ultimately permits the defense to continue with the question.)

Question: Where were you in relation to the police during the incident?
Answer: The police were inside the mayor’s house gate, while we were outside the gate. I saw the police officer who shot me. The bullet hit my back.

Question: Were you given the large bullet that was removed from your back?
Answer: No, I was not given that bullet. That bullet was lost or misplaced by the doctor.

Question: Did you take any action against the doctor?

Answer: I did not have the opportunity to make a complaint against the doctor.

Question: After being shot, did you walk to different hospitals on your own?
Answer: That is not true. 

Question: Did you tell the Investigation Officer about Navy Camp?

Answer: I do not recall whether I informed the investigating officer about receiving treatment at Navy Camp Hospital.

Question: Do you have any medical reports regarding your treatment?
Answer: Yes, I  have my X-ray medical reports with us. The remaining documents are still at the hospital. I can provide them if needed.

Question: Did you tell the investigating officer that Sheikh Hasina and Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal are not responsible for the firing?
Answer: That is not true. I did not say that.

Question: Did you inform the investigating officer that you learned from Al Jazeera, BBC, or other media that Sheikh Hasina had ordered the firing?
Answer: Yes, I did.

Question: Are you affiliated with any student organization?
Answer: No, I am not involved with any student organization.