Rifle fire of around 50 rounds and 11 rounds from a pistol were used during the operation. Rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades were also deployed, which were described as “justified.”

When contacted, Abu Bakar Siddique told a local newspaper that he had submitted a report, but said he could no longer recall what he had written in it. He added that no case has been filed against him over the July movement and that he appeared as a witness at the International Crimes Tribunal in the Abu Sayeed murder case.

Although cases were filed against nearly all senior police officials posted in Rangpur at the time, Abu Bakar was not named as an accused in any of them. Even in the Abu Sayeed murder case—where the RMP commissioner and other top officials were charged—his name did not appear. Allegations suggest that he managed to avoid being listed as an accused and later became a prosecution witness.

Investigation underway

Despite submitting a report that termed the shooting at students and civilians during the July movement as “justified,” no action was initially taken against Abu Bakar, causing discontent among senior police officials. Speaking anonymously, one officer claimed that Abu Bakar was among those who threatened a physician at Rangpur Medical College Hospital to alter the post-mortem report after Abu Sayeed’s death. No disciplinary steps were taken even after these allegations.

Following growing concern within the police leadership, headquarters decided to open an investigation. Additional DIG of the Reserve Force (RRF) for the Rangpur Range, Abdur Razzaq, was assigned to lead the probe.

Confirming the matter, Abdur Razzaq said on Thursday that an investigation into the allegations against Abu Bakar is currently in progress.