A case has been filed under the Arms and Explosives Act against former Law Minister Anisul Huq, former MP of Sylhet-5 Hafiz Ahmad Majumder, former Sylhet City Mayor Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, former MP of Sylhet-3 Habibur Rahman Habib, and 473 others—all affiliated with the Awami League.

The case was lodged by Sajib Ahmed, Religious Affairs Secretary of Sylhet District Jubo Dal. According to the complaint, on August 3, at around 4:00 PM, a demonstration was taking place in front of Sylhet Government Women’s College as part of the one-point movement against discrimination and in protest of student killings. The plaintiff, Sajib Ahmed, was participating in the protest when the accused allegedly marched from Rikabibazar and opened fire on the assembled students and citizens at Chouhatta, followed by detonating improvised explosive devices. Sajib Ahmed sustained injuries from the gunfire.

Following the United Nations report on human rights violations during the student and public protests in July and August, Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, expressed deep concern, calling it heartbreaking. Referring to the UN report, which mentioned that 1,400 people died in the July uprising, including over 100 children, UNICEF stated that it has already reported on many of these deaths and is working to clarify the total number of children who were killed or injured. In a statement, UNICEF expressed condolences for the victims, citing three specific martyrdoms. The statement also emphasized the need for accountability, rehabilitation, justice, and reform.

On Thursday (February 13), at a press briefing in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Security Advisor Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam stated that the interim government welcomes the United Nations fact-finding mission’s recommendation to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). However, he clarified that any decision on this matter would be taken after thorough discussion and review.

During the briefing, he also announced the introduction of a ten-minute on-arrival visa service, aimed at making visa issuance more convenient and hassle-free for travelers.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tazul Islam stated on Thursday afternoon that the report by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the genocide and crimes against humanity committed during the July uprising in Bangladesh could serve as undeniable evidence in the International Crimes Tribunal.

Speaking to journalists at the tribunal, he emphasized that the use of weapons and casualty statistics indicate that an entire state apparatus systematically targeted a specific population with the intent to eradicate them. He described this as clear and compelling evidence of crimes against humanity. Given that the UN is the world’s largest and most universally accepted organization, he asserted that their report is completely impartial and holds significant credibility in legal proceedings.

A United Nations investigation report published on Wednesday revealed that Bangladesh Police submitted a list of 95 individuals, including members of the ruling Awami League and its affiliates, in connection with killings during the July uprising. According to the police, these individuals supplied weapons to civilians for violent attacks during the protests. The list includes 10 former Members of Parliament, 14 local Awami League leaders, 16 Jubo League members, 16 Chhatra League leaders, and seven police officers. The report also states that children were targeted by security forces, detained in inhumane conditions, subjected to torture, and faced various forms of abuse. Additionally, documents analyzed by investigators indicate incidents of sexual violence perpetrated by Awami League supporters.

Every evening, a ‘core committee’ met at former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal’s residence to strategize the suppression of student protests. Participants included top police, military, and intelligence officials, as well as banned student organization Chhatra League’s president Saddam Hossain. Senior army generals joined from July 20 onward. Reports indicate that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her office closely coordinated with security chiefs. On July 14, acting on orders from Obaidul Quader and Saddam Hossain, security forces violently attacked student demonstrators.

The UN has recommended prosecuting those responsible for the indiscriminate killings during the July uprising and removing individuals accused of human rights violations and corruption. It advised limiting the power of the military intelligence agency DGFI, disbanding RAB, and barring officers involved in human rights violations from participating in UN peacekeeping missions. The report also emphasized ensuring freedom of speech and preventing unnecessary harassment of Awami League supporters and minority leaders.

A UN fact-finding mission has revealed that between July 1 and August 15, over 1,400 people, including 12-13% children, were killed in the Bangladesh protests. Thousands more were injured, with most victims shot by security forces. The report also notes that 44 police officers lost their lives during the clashes.

A UN investigative report has found that security forces acted on direct orders from former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the July-August uprising, leading to indiscriminate killings. It names top government figures, including Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, as key conspirators. On July 19, Hasina reportedly instructed law enforcement to arrest and eliminate protest coordinators.

The UN has made 50 key recommendations regarding the July-August uprising and mass killings in Bangladesh. Among them is the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center (NTMC) due to severe human rights violations. The report also suggests limiting the powers of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Defense Intelligence Directorate (DGFI) to prevent further abuse of authority.

According to a UN report, police were directly responsible for the extrajudicial killing of Abu Sayeed, a student at Begum Rokeya University. On July 16 last year, during a student protest, police and ruling party activists attacked demonstrators, fatally shooting Sayeed. Multiple eyewitness accounts and video evidence confirm police involvement. A forensic report shows two gunshot wounds on his body.

A 127-page UN report analyzing events from July 1 to August 15 holds the past government and ruling party, Awami League, responsible for crimes against humanity. One of the most striking images in the report is a sketch of 17-year-old Golam Nafis, who was shot in Farmgate on August 4 while being carried to the hospital by a rickshaw puller. The viral image helped his parents locate him, but by then, he had already succumbed to his injuries.

In a shocking revelation, sources have confirmed that 105 children lost their lives due to gunfire during protests against Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The figures have intensified calls for justice and accountability from the interim government and international human rights organizations.

Two victims of the July uprising, who suffered severe eye injuries from gunshots, have received corneal transplants at Vision Eye Hospital in Dhaka. Hospital Director Dr. Siddiqur Rahman confirmed that the hospital has operated on 74 patients with eye injuries, some of whom had suffered permanent blindness due to retinal damage. After navigating strict protocols, Tariqul Islam and Parvin successfully underwent corneal transplants on February 6.

The United Nations fact-finding mission is set to release a report on February 13, revealing evidence of serious human rights violations and atrocities committed during the July uprising. The report, to be presented in Geneva at a press conference, will highlight the involvement of top officials in the previous government. The UN had previously shared a draft of the report with the Bangladesh government for feedback. Spanning approximately 150 pages, the report is expected to call for further investigations into the incidents.