Nahid says activists went into hiding to escape arrests amid threats during Uprising

The NCP leader testifies against top officials during the July Uprising at the International Crimes Tribunal

Nahid Islam, the convenor of the National Citizen Party, has testified at the International Crimes Tribunal-1, revealing how the leaders of the quota reform movement went into hiding when their lives were threatened.

Testifying against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun, Nahid recalled the events of Jul 18 last year, when students from across Bangladesh, especially from private universities and madrasas, took to the streets in mass protests.

“We faced life threats, and to avoid arrests, we went into hiding. Many students were injured and killed across the country that day,” Nahid said.

He also described how internet services were shut down nationwide that night, and on Jul 19, police and the then ruling party supporters opened fire on students, causing more casualties.

“We realised on the 19th of July that the government was in full control of the media. News of our movement and the injured and dead was being suppressed.”

Nahid discussed his involvement in the quota reform movement and the protests in July, highlighting the continuous struggle for similar demands.

The testimony continued until 4:20pm and will resume on Thursday.