University student Md. Sakib Ahmed Tulon testified before International Crimes Tribunal-1 as the first witness in a case against Awami League leader Kamrul Islam and Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon over alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising. In his statement on Tuesday, Sakib described how police and Border Guard Bangladesh opened fire on protesters near Brac University and Rampura Bridge on July 18 and 19, resulting in multiple casualties.

Sakib recounted that his friend Maruf was shot in the abdomen during the protest and later died while being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital after delays caused by police and BGB at Rampura Bridge. He said hospital authorities confirmed Maruf’s death and initially refused to release the body, citing higher orders. Sakib also described further gunfire in the Brac University area on July 20.

The testimony forms part of the tribunal’s proceedings against the two political leaders, whose parties were banned in connection with the July uprising, as the court examines allegations of crimes against humanity during that period.