FROM PAGE 12

Tajul placed his arguments for the third consecutive day in the case filed against the trio.

Quoting physicians who treated the victims, the prosecutor said patients were shot from elevated positions and even from helicopters. Some had parts of their skulls blown off, while hundreds were hit in the eyes with metallic pellets and bullets.

“These attacks were consistent, not random, and similar weapons were used in Dhaka and other districts in a coordinated manner -- hallmarks of systematic attacks,” Tajul told the three-member tribunal.

He said evidence also showed that women, girls, and children were targeted, abused, and in some cases killed, detained, or tortured by security forces and armed AL supporters. “Our investigation agency and the UN fact-finding report both identified these patterns, proving the attacks were directed systematically against civilians.”

Referring to the UN report, Tajul said forensic examinations of 130 victims conducted by Dhaka Medical College’s forensic department found that 66 percent died from military-grade rifles, 12 percent from shotguns, two percent from pistols, and 20 percent from other weapons.

The prosecution also alleged that injured protesters were denied medical treatment, doctors were obstructed from performing post-mortems of many victims, and bodies were buried as unidentified or under coercion.

“These meet the criteria of systematic attacks under the Rome Statute, which Bangladesh has ratified,” Tajul said, referring to the treaty defining crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.

To support the first charge, Tajul cited inciting remarks made by Hasina on July 14, when she branded protesters as “Rajakars”, and by AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader the following day, saying Chhatra League was “ready to respond”.

He added that following the statements, Chahtra League members attacked students at various universities, after which police and armed AL supporters launched assaults on protesters, killing over 1,400 and injuring more than 25,000.

Quoting testimony from ex-IGP Mamun, Tajul named several leaders of AL-led 14-party alliance who allegedly urged Hasina to use lethal force.

Tajul cited audio recordings of Hasina’s conversations with her nephew, then Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, in which she said she had already given instructions on the use of lethal weapons, drones, and helicopters. “This evidence is sufficient to establish Hasina’s command responsibility.”

He also referred to Hasina’s alleged phone calls with Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal President Hasanul Haq Inu and then Dhaka University VC Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, as well as a wireless message from then DMP commissioner Habibur Rahman directing police to open fire on protesters.

The arguments will continue today.