Probe body to look into how violence erupted, people killed in Gopalganj: Shafiqul Alam
However, he refrained from making any remarks on Gopalganj unrest
The investigation committee formed by the interim government will examine all aspects of the Gopalganj incident, including how the violence occurred and how people lost their lives, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today (17 July).
Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, the press secretary stated that the probe body will submit the report within 14 days.
"Two additional secretaries would also join the probe body from law ministry and public administration ministry," he added.
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When asked about National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam's remarks that the presence of Awami League-leaning policemen in the force is disrupting law and order situation, Shafiqul Alam said they would not comment on any statements made by him [Nahid Islam].
Speaking at the briefing, Chief Adviser's Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad stated that the Election Commission will now release a draft voter list 15 to 30 days prior to announcing the election schedule.
"As of now, the draft voter lists have typically been published in January. Those who turn 18 or become eligible by then are included in the list. But in many cases, when elections are held in October or later, newly eligible voters miss the chance to be added, since the draft is only released once a year," he said.
He added, "From now on, following a change in the law, eligible voters will be able to register later in the year as well. As a result, the draft voter list will be published 15 to 30 days before the announcement of the election schedule."
Earlier in the day, the government formed a three-member committee led by the home secretary to investigate the acts of violence and deaths that occurred in Gopalganj yesterday (16 July).
Gopalganj district town witnessed heightened unrest throughout Wednesday, as activists of the banned Awami League, its banned student wing Chhatra League, and other affiliated organisations occupied various points, wielding sticks and hurling brickbats.
So far, the clashes have claimed four lives and left dozens injured, according to hospital and police sources.
Meanwhile, the government described the violence in Gopalganj as "utterly indefensible" and warned that those responsible would be brought to justice.
