Dhaka: Mir Mughdo, a 25-year-old student, was tragically shot in the head with lethal ammunition from a high-powered military rifle during the anti-discrimination student movement in the city’s Uttara on July 18, according to a UN report. The report highlights the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies during the protests.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a Fact-Finding Report titled ‘Human Rights Violations and Abuses related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh’ on February 12. The report contains victim and eyewitness testimonies that confirm the use of disproportionate force by security forces, including police, RAB, and BGB, to disperse protesters at various locations in Uttara.
The report details how, on the morning of July 18, security forces, reinforced by armed Awami League supporters, positioned themselves at the BNS Centre in anticipation of a major protest. Clashes began around 11:30 am when police and RAB deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades. An armored vehicle reportedly drove at protesters while officers fired from it.
The situation escalated by early afternoon, with police and RAB firing lethal ammunition from military rifles. Witnesses and images confirmed police shooting from the rooftop of the Uttara Police Station. Hundreds of protesters suffered gunshot wounds, and several fatalities were reported, including five students.
Among those killed was Mir Mughdo, who was distributing water to protesters. A video authenticated by OHCHR captured the moment he was shot on Rabindra Sarani Street at approximately 17:50. A protest leader was also severely injured in the same area, suffering long-term injuries after being hit by a sound grenade and rifle bullets.
The OHCHR collected testimonies from several injured students, confirming the use of No. 8 metal pellets fired from shotguns. One student sustained 42 metal pellet injuries in his upper leg, while another was shot in the eye, resulting in significant damage to his retina, lens, and cornea.
Medical records and forensic reviews confirmed the severity of the injuries, with one student suffering a bullet wound from a high-powered rifle. The UN report underscores the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the July 18 incident.