Khokon Chandra Barman, a victim of police gunfire during the July uprising, became the first witness to testify against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

Khokon, whose left eye, nose, and mouth were severely disfigured by police gunfire, now has a face so altered that his current appearance is difficult to recognise.

He testified before the tribunal on Sunday, recounting the inhumane treatment he suffered and the killings he witnessed in front of Jatrabari Police Station in Dhaka. He held former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader (whom he repeatedly referred to as “Kauwa Quader”), former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, former MP Shamim Osman, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun responsible for the violence.

In his testimony, Khokon said: “On August 5, 2024, around noon, police opened fire in front of Jatrabari Police Station, destroying my left eye, nose, and mouth. Thousands were killed. I saw many being shot before my eyes. Sheikh Hasina, Kauwa Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan, Shamim Osman, and Abdullah Al-Mamun are responsible for injuring me and the killing of thousands.”

When asked by the prosecution to clarify whom he meant by “Kauwa Quader,” Khokon confirmed that he was referring to Obaidul Quader.

Meanwhile, Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated that the evidence against Sheikh Hasina for crimes committed during the July uprising is clear and compelling, leaving no room for doubt during the trial. He made the remarks while delivering the prosecution’s opening statement in the case concerning alleged crimes against humanity during the July-August mass uprising, in which Sheikh Hasina and two others are on trial.