Govt forms high-level commission to probe Gopalganj violence

The government has formed a six-member high-profile commission to investigate the 16 July attack on an NCP rally in Gopalganj that left at least five people dead and dozens injured.

Headed by former Justice Md Abu Tariq, the commission will look into the violence, breakdown of law and order, attacks on government institutions including the district jail, and overall disruption of civil security, said the Chief Adviser's Press Wing in a statement today (24 July).

Other members include: Additional Secretary of the Public Security Division Khandaker Md Mahbubur Rahman, Senior District and Sessions Judge Md Saiful Islam, Brig Gen Shahidur Rahman Osmani of the 21st Infantry Division, Additional Inspector General Sardar Nurul Amin, and Prof Sazzad Siddiqui, chairman of Dhaka University's Peace and Conflict Studies Department.

The commission, formed following recommendations of an earlier probe committee, has been tasked with identifying those responsible, recommending legal action, and advising on measures to prevent such incidents in future. It may induct additional members or delegate tasks as needed.

It must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the relevant ministry within three weeks.

According to a previous probe committee, the rally was attacked by activists of banned groups Bangladesh Chhatra League and Awami League in Gopalganj Sadar. A curfew was imposed under Section 144 and army support was sought to restore order. 

The committee also cited attacks on state facilities and a breakdown in civil security that require further investigation.