Shocking Turn in July Uprising Case: Accused Police Inspector Breaks Silence with Dramatic Testimony!

Former Shahbagh Police Station inspector Md Arshad Hossain has delivered his defence testimony before the International Crimes Tribunal in a case filed over alleged crimes against humanity committed in Dhaka’s Chan Kharpul area during the July mass uprising. His appearance on Monday marked the first time any accused person in the July uprising cases has taken the stand as a defence witness.

The testimony was heard by a three-member bench of the tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumdar. The other two members of the panel were Justice Md Shafiul Alam Mahmud and Justice Md Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury. The tribunal convened to hear Arshad’s account regarding the events of 5 August last year, when six people were killed amid violent clashes in the capital.

The case, filed in connection with these killings, lists eight accused, including former Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Habibur Rahman. Rahman and three others have been absconding. Arshad Hossain, along with three additional accused, remains in custody. According to defence lawyers, three witnesses are expected to provide testimony in support of Arshad, with Arshad himself being counted as one of them.

During his testimony, Arshad rejected all allegations levelled against him. He insisted that he had not fired any weapon, issued any orders to shoot, or assisted in armed action during the Chan Kharpul incident on 5 August. He argued that he fulfilled his duties strictly in accordance with the law.

Addressing viral images and video clips circulated on social media, Arshad maintained that the materials were manipulated. One widely shared photograph from 31 July of the previous year appeared to show him pressing his hand against the mouth of Nahidul Islam, a political science student at New Model Degree College and an activist in the anti-discrimination student movement. The image quickly went viral and became a focal point in public discussions. In his testimony, Arshad claimed that the footage and images were selectively edited and did not portray the full context of the situation.

Another defence witness, Md Solaiman, who is associated with Islami Chhatra Andolan, also testified in Arshad’s favour on Monday. Solaiman told the tribunal that on 5 August, at approximately 11:30 am, he had seen Inspector Arshad near the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. According to Solaiman, Arshad was holding a walkie-talkie and was not engaged in any violent activity.

The defence argues that the accusations have been inflated by misinterpretations of online content and politically charged narratives. They further allege that edited videos circulating on social media have contributed to misinformation about Arshad’s role and actions during the unrest.

The tribunal will continue hearing the remaining defence testimonies before moving on to closing arguments. The case is being closely watched as it represents one of the most significant legal proceedings stemming from the July mass uprising, a moment of nationwide upheaval that has had long-lasting political and social repercussions.