Police seek public assistance to identify 8 killed in July-August protests

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the police at 01320001223

Police officials have launched an effort to identify eight individuals who were killed during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement.

The victims, all reported to have been fatally shot, remain unidentified nearly six months after the incident.

As such, authorities have launched an appeal for public assistance in an effort to establish their identities.

In a notification issued on Monday, police officials said: “Eight unidentified martyrs who were shot dead in the mass uprising had been buried as unclaimed bodies.”

“The photos of these unidentified martyrs are stored at police headquarters,” the notification said.

“Anyone with information that could help identify them is requested to contact the mobile number 01320001223.”

Kamrul Ahsan, a senior information officer at police headquarters, confirmed the burial of the eight individuals at different times during the protests.

“Their names and identities remain unknown. Their photos are in police records, but they have not been shared with the media as they are not suitable for publication,” said Kamrul.

The Anti-discrimination Student Movement, which began in late July with demands for quota reform, swiftly escalated into a broader push to topple the government. As the protests gained momentum, former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on Aug 5, 2024 amid mass demonstrations. Efforts to suppress the uprising led to widespread violence and heavy casualties.

Following the government’s collapse, an interim administration assumed control and moved to document the list of casualties. The health ministry later formed a committee on Aug 15, 2024 to compile a list of those killed and injured during the uprising.

On Dec 21, 2024 the “Special Cell on Mass Uprising” released a preliminary list documenting 858 people killed and 11,500 injured during July and August.

Meanwhile, after seven unidentified bodies lay in the Dhaka Medical College morgue for months, forensic testing recently allowed one to be identified.

Authorities matched the DNA of 19-year-old Mohammad Hasan with that of his family, leading to his remains being handed over to relatives on Feb 13.

Hasan, an employee at an electrical shop in Kaptan Bazar, was killed on Aug 5, 2024 in the Jatrabari Police Station area during the protests.