The use of lethal weapons remains one of the most widely discussed aspects of the loss of life during the July killings of 2024. Despite longstanding questions surrounding the use of 7.62mm rifle ammunition, long-range ‘sniper shots,’ and the presence of armed individuals in civilian clothing, a comprehensive and coordinated investigation into these issues has yet to be completed. As a result, frustration continues to grow among those who were actively involved in the movement, while conflicting narratives have also emerged. Several individuals who were active in the movement claim that incidents involving lethal gunfire occurred in various areas, including Uttara, Jatrabari, Badda, and Rampura, where it is difficult to establish a clear connection between the bullets and the ordinary armed personnel present at the scenes. Who used these weapons, which forces were deployed where, and whether shots were actually fired from helicopters—these questions still lack definitive answers. Former Home Affairs Adviser M. Sakhawat Hossain has also emphasized the need to investigate the source of the 7.62mm ammunition reportedly used during the movement and the role of armed individuals in civilian clothing. According to him, he had raised questions after examining the types of bullets found in the bodies of those injured. In his view, the identities of the armed individuals in civilian attire and how they came into possession of lethal weapons should also have been included in the investigation. Meanwhile, although the investigation by the International Crimes Tribunal has uncovered some statistics regarding weapons and ammunition used by the police, comprehensive information on weapons used by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), or the Army is reportedly still under investigation. Preliminary inquiries by investigators have also raised the possibility of ‘sniper shots’ in several killings. However, no sniper rifle has been recovered, and it remains unclear who may have used such weapons. This is perhaps the most concerning aspect of the matter. The longer the investigation remains incomplete, the stronger alternative explanations and competing political narratives become. Some argue that incidents involving excessive use of force by state forces are being covered up, while others claim that there was a deliberate conspiracy to open fire in order to provoke and escalate the movement. In this situation, uncovering the full truth behind the July killings requires a comprehensive investigation combining ballistic examinations of weapons, ammunition records, force deployment data, video footage, and eyewitness testimony. For justice, it is not enough to know only who was killed; it is equally essential to determine which weapon was used, who gave the orders, and who pulled the trigger. Answers to these questions are indispensable to establishing the truth and ensuring accountability.

Author: Shachin Bangali, Columnist and Political Analyst