A total of 875 people were killed and more than 30,000 were injured in the students against discrimination movement from July 16 to September 9, according to a report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) on Saturday.
The report was prepared by analysing the data collected from 12 national dailies, HRSS's investigation unit and volunteers from across the country, according to a press release.
According to the report, 77 per cent of the victims died from gunshot wounds. Besides, more than 30,000 people were injured in the revolution, reports BSS.
The report added that information had been received about the manner of deaths of a total of 772 people. Of them, 599 people or 77 per cent were shot dead while 61 (8 per cent) people died from burn injury, 85 people (11 per cent) were beaten to death and 27 (4 per cent) died of other causes.
It said 327 people died from July 16 to August 3 and 548 from August 4 to September 9 (many died later while undergoing treatment). Fifty-three per cent of those killed were between the ages of 19 and 30.
If the age is counted within 30 years, the death rate stands at 70 per cent. Among the deaths, students were the highest in number (52 per cent). Most were killed in shootings and police attacks.
HRSS said the Chhatra League was ordered to attack the protesting students. The law enforcers made unlawful use of gunfire from a helicopter and used lethal weapons like AK-47 assault rifles and teargas shells on the protesting students, the report said.
Data collection
Regarding collecting data, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said letters are being sent to all the media houses, public and private hospitals, civil surgeons, deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendents of police (SPs) seeking authentic data regarding the mass killings during the July-August student protests.
Stating that the students are the actual witnesses of the events that took place during the movement, he said, "We have taken the initiative to exchange views with the coordinators of the student movement."
“Thousands of people are undergoing treatment. The July-August genocide is an international crime and it shall be tried by the tribunal," he added.
When asked about the renovation of the tribunal building, he said, "The current environment of the International Crimes Tribunal is not up to the mark for the trial of high-profile accused.”
“Besides, a few foreign delegates may pay a visit for observation when the trial starts. Therefore, the old building of the tribunal is in urgent need of repair and renovation," he said.
Calling upon all concerned to cooperate with the ICT by giving authentic information regarding the July-August massacre, Tajul Islam said, "We are committed to establishing justice by ensuring international standards and transparency during the trial. And we want our people to come forward and join the march towards justice."
