Abul Kashem, who conducted the conference on May 7, gave his deposition before Judge Shahed Noor Uddin of the Speedy Trial Tribunal-1. He described how a group led by Jatiya Chhatra Samaj leader Nurul Islam Dipu carried out the attack that day.

He was also cross-examined by a defence lawyer on behalf of accused Nurul Amin. He will be cross-examined again at the same court at 2:00pm today.

Kashem told the court that Dipu, Shipu, Tipu, Chhoto Ratan, Khokan, Alamin, Faisal, Bulu, Roni, Monir and Dulal opened fire on Ahsanullah and Mahal with pistols and revolvers. The AL lawmaker was present at the conference to form a committee of Sechchhasebok League.

Another group of Mahbub, Anu, Kana Hafiz, Bara Ratan, Sohag, Jahangir, Salam, Amir, Mohammad Ali and Moshiur also opened fire, the witness added. Chhoto Ratan shot Ahsanullah at around 12:35pm when the latter was leaving the stage, he said.

On completion of their mission, they left the spot and went northward, Kashem added.

On the same day, the witness went to the place of occurrence and police prepared a seizure list in his presence. Police seized a banner with 12 blood stained holes, 12 cartridges and blood stained soil from the spot, Kashem said.

Twelve of 30 accused in the case were present on the dock during the hearing. Of the accused, Kabir Hossain, Ayub, Pappu Sarker and Alamin are on bail while Dipu and 17 others still at large.