Video of shooting of protesters in Narayanganj allegedly by supporters of Shamim Osman circulating on social media

A 30-second video clip showing supporters of Awami League leader Shamim Osman firing at anti-quota protesters in Narayanganj surfaced on social media on Friday (August 23) evening.

The incident reportedly took place on July 19 and the video was made public after the fall 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 holding two firearms and their group advancing through the DIT area of ​​Narayanganj.

Eyewitnesses reported that on July 19, Shamim Osman and his group marched from Chashara to Mondalpara and repeatedly clashed with protesters.

Protesters and Osman’s supporters engaged in a tense standoff for control of the streets, leading to a violent escalation. During the gunfight, six-year-old Riya Gop from Nayamati and 15-year-old textile worker Russell from Deobhog were seriously injured.

Russell died of his injuries on July 22, followed by Riya Gop on July 24. 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 Student Anti-Discrimination Movement, told TBS: “On July 19, our supporters blocked roads in Narayanganj town. During this time, Shamim Osman and his armed group fired indiscriminately at the protesters. Riya Gop, who was on the roof of her house, was hit by the bullets, and Russell, who was participating in the protests, was also killed by the bullets. We demand exemplary punishment for those responsible for this attack.”

Commenting on the video, Narayanganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Amir Khusru said, “We have taken note of the video. An investigation is underway. Those who fired on that day will be identified and brought to justice. We are also actively working to recover the illegal firearms used in the incident.”