Human Rights Forum calls for judicial inquiry into Gopalganj violence that left five dead

Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has expressed deep concern over the deaths of five people and injuries to many others during clashes following a political rally in Gopalganj, calling for a judicial inquiry into the incident.

In a statement issued yesterday (19 July), the forum strongly condemned what it described as excessive use of force and open firing by law enforcement agencies during the unrest.

The incident, HRFB said, undermines citizen security and violates constitutional and international human rights standards.

According to media reports cited by HRFB, law enforcement agencies reportedly opened fire on the public after a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday (16 July) was attacked by a faction of a local political party.

Five people—Dipto Saha, Ramzan Kazi, Sohel Molla, Imon, and Ramjan Munshi—have died as a result of the incident. Several others with bullet wounds are undergoing treatment in various hospitals, with some in critical condition.

HRFB stated, "The decision to fire in public is not only inhumane but also contradicts Article 31 of the Constitution and constitutes a clear violation of international human rights norms. Such excessive use of force reflects a lack of accountability."

The forum also referred to widely circulated video footage on social media showing law enforcement personnel firing on the crowd.

In contrast, the inspector general of police told the media that police did not use lethal weapons, while the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) claimed in a statement that members of the force used necessary force in self-defence, without clarifying whether lethal weapons were involved.

HRFB further demanded that those arrested after the incident be presented in court in a timely manner and treated in accordance with the law.

It stressed the need to ensure that no innocent individuals are subjected to harassment.

The forum also questioned the necessity of long-term curfews or indefinite restrictions on transport and public movement, calling for a review of such measures.

Citing complaints from at least one bereaved family, HRFB raised concern that a post-mortem examination was denied despite requests, resulting in burial without an autopsy.

The forum described this as a serious allegation that points to negligence by the hospital and police administration.

HRFB urged the formation of an immediate judicial inquiry committee to investigate the deaths, the failure to provide post-mortems, and the broader security lapse surrounding the rally.

It stressed the need to uncover the root causes of the violence and to take preventive measures.

The forum concluded by calling on all parties to show restraint and act responsibly in the interest of national stability, democracy, and human rights.

The Human Rights Forum demanded a full, impartial investigation, justice for the victims, and compensation for those affected.