5 killed in political clash in Gopalganj: ASK demands independent investigation

A violent clash broke out on 16 July in Gopalganj centering around a pre-scheduled political rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP). According to a fact-finding report by the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), the incident led to the deaths of five civilians due to gunfire by law enforcement and left many others injured.

ASK's two-day investigation (21–22 July) revealed that prior to the rally, supporters of the ruling Awami League attacked the venue, prompting chaos. Despite heavy police and military presence, tensions escalated when NCP leaders arrived. After their speeches, violence spread across the city, with security forces firing tear gas, sound grenades, and live bullets.

ASK confirmed the identities of five deceased: Dipto Saha, 25, Ramzan Kazi, 18, Imon Talukder, 17, Sohel Molla, 32, and Ramzan Munshi (died later in hospital). Only one of the five had a confirmed autopsy. Families allege forced burials without post-mortems and accuse security forces of brutality, including physical assault on unarmed civilians.

The report states that 8 criminal cases have been filed naming 5,400 people, of whom 358 are identified, including minorities and children. Notably, 18 minors have been detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act, despite lack of evidence linking them to the violence.

The local jail saw overcrowding, with over 750 detainees against a 348-person capacity, prompting transfer of prisoners to other districts. During the unrest, even the jail compound came under attack, leading to shots being fired by prison guards.

ASK has called for an impartial and thorough investigation, expressing concern over serious human rights violations and misuse of legal power, including arbitrary arrests, forced confessions, and suppression of peaceful assembly.