Video of shooting on protesters in Narayanganj allegedly by Shamim Osman’s supporters make rounds on social media
A 30-second video clip showing followers of Awami League leader Shamim Osman firing on anti-quota movement protesters in Narayanganj has surfaced on social media on Friday (23 August) night.
This incident reportedly took place on 19 July, and the video was made public following the downfall of the Awami League government.
The footage also shows Shamim Osman himself armed, along with his brother-in-law and BCB director Tanvir Ahmed Titu, his brother-in-law Faizuddin Lavlu, Lavlu's son Vicky, and a journalist who was holding two firearms and his group advancing through Narayanganj's DIT area.
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Eyewitnesses reported that on 19 July, Shamim Osman and his group paraded from Chashara to Mondalpara, repeatedly clashing with protesters.
The protesters and Osman's followers were locked in a tense standoff over control of the streets, leading to a violent escalation. During the shooting, six-year-old Riya Gop from Nayamati and 15-year-old garment worker Russell from Deobhog were critically injured.
Russell succumbed to his injuries on 22 July, followed by Riya Gop on 24 July. Students involved in the Anti-Discrimination Movement have blamed Shamim Osman's group for their deaths.
Farhana Manik Muna, one of the district coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told TBS, "On 19 July, our supporters blocked the roads in Narayanganj city. During this time, Shamim Osman and his armed group fired indiscriminately at the protesters. Riya Gop, who was on her rooftop, was hit by their bullets, and Russell, who was participating in the protests, also died from their gunfire. We demand exemplary punishment for those responsible for this attack."
Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Amir Khusru commented on the video, stating, "We have taken note of the video. An investigation is underway. Those who fired weapons that day will be identified and brought to justice. We are also actively working to recover the illegal firearms used in the incident."
