Police, BGB fired 7.62mm ammunition during July protests, says Dr Zahed

Police and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were responsible for firing 7.62mm caliber ammunition during the July Uprising, and the matter is already proven beyond the need for further investigation, Adviser for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday (July 28).

Responding to questions from journalists at a press conference held at the Secretariat, he said an unnecessary controversy was being created over 7.62 mm bullets.

"I am surprised that some people are speaking as if a 7.62 mm bullet automatically implies a sniper rifle round. That is not the case at all. Police have had Type-56 rifles for many years, which use 7.62 mm ammunition," he said.

He mentioned that the Type-56 is a military-grade rifle that was previously with the army.

Later, it was issued to the BGB and finally to the police.

The adviser further pointed out that during and after the movement, efforts were made by the now-banmed Awami League to promote a narrative alleging that unknown snipers among the protesters were responsible for casualties.

"The reality is that both the police and the BGB had direct custody of rifles firing 7.62mm rounds, and visual evidence, including photos and videos of security forces discharging these weapons, is widely available," Dr Zahed added.

"Claims of mysterious, unidentified snipers operating in the shadows have no factual basis."