Eminent citizens condemn Gopalganj violence, call for impartial probe

A group of eminent citizens has condemned the political clash and subsequent violence in Gopalganj, which left five people dead and led to the arrest of around 300 individuals, including children.

In a statement issued today, they called for an independent and impartial investigation into the events of 16 July, as well as an end to arbitrary arrests and the use of excessive force. The statement followed a fact-finding visit to Gopalganj on 22 July.

The 11-member delegation included photographer Shahidul Alam, journalist Tasneem Khalil, artist Bithi Ghosh, writer Firoz Ahmed, Dhaka University teachers Samina Lutfa, Mosahida Sultana, and Rushad Faridi, lawyers Sara Hossain and Manzoor Al Matin, and rights activist Nafiul Alam Supta.

During their visit, they spoke with street vendors, rickshaw pullers, shopkeepers, members of the police and APBN, local journalists, university teachers and students, army personnel, the police superintendent and NCP leaders.

They also met family members of some of the deceased and the Ain o Salish Kendra observation team.

In their preliminary findings, the group said tensions had been rising in Gopalganj ahead of the rally due to provocative statements on social media from both Awami League supporters and National Citizen Party (NCP) activists.

They noted that the NCP did not publicly disavow threats made by its supporters online, while Awami League-affiliated individuals reportedly vowed to block the rally.

According to the statement, violence erupted even before the arrival of NCP leaders, with reports of stage vandalism, arson, and cocktail explosions. Police were seen retreating multiple times before receiving reinforcements. The situation worsened when a large crowd, estimated at several thousand, gathered in response to slogans shouted from the rally site.

People who claimed to be witnesses said the army fired on the crowd at the launch terminal to disperse it, according to the statement.

Among those killed was a local businessman, Dipto Saha, who was reportedly shot from behind. The statement raised concerns about the lack of an autopsy in his case.

It also highlighted the death of a minor named Emon, who suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, and questioned how the injury could have been fatal.

The group said they found no eyewitness evidence of firearms among the attackers, although local weapons and explosives were widely used.

The statement also expressed concern over the scope of the cases filed following the incident.

Over 10,000 people reportedly face charges under various laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act. Children were among those arrested, with 18 sent to a juvenile facility in Jashore. Lawyers and guardians have reportedly had limited access to them.

The group criticised the government-formed inquiry committee, saying it included representatives from the army, police, and Home Ministry – agencies that are themselves accused of excessive force. They called for the committee to be restructured.

They also demanded the reconstitution of the Human Rights Commission and amendments to the law governing it to ensure greater independence and effectiveness.