ASK urges fair probe over Gopalganj violence

Staff Reporter :

At least five people lost their lives and scores were injured during a violent political clash in Gopalganj on 16 July, centering around a planned rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP).
A recent fact-finding mission by the human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) sheds light on disturbing allegations of excessive force and human rights violations during the incident.
The ASK report, based on a two-day investigation conducted from 21-22 July, found that tensions began when activists of the ruling Awami League allegedly stormed the rally venue before the programme could commence.

Despite the deployment of police and military personnel in the area, violence erupted once NCP leaders reached the site and delivered speeches, triggering widespread clashes throughout the city. Security forces reportedly responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and live ammunition.
ASK identified the five deceased as Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), Imon Talukder (17), Sohel Molla (32), and Ramzan Munshi, who succumbed to his injuries later in hospital.

Of the five, only one underwent a confirmed autopsy. Families claim the others were buried hastily without post-mortems, raising concerns about possible attempts to cover up details surrounding the deaths. Relatives have also accused security forces of beating and intimidating unarmed civilians during the operation.

According to ASK, eight criminal cases were filed in the aftermath of the violence, implicating some 5,400 people-358 of them by name.
The report notes with alarm that at least 18 minors were detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act, despite insufficient evidence directly linking them to any subversive activities.
Overcrowding at the local jail has worsened the crisis, with more than 750 detainees packed into a facility designed for 348 inmates.

Many have since been transferred to jails in other districts. The turmoil even reached the prison compound, which came under attack during the clashes, forcing prison guards to open fire to secure the premises.

In its statement, ASK strongly condemned what it described as a misuse of state power, including arbitrary detentions, forced confessions, and the suppression of citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
The rights body has demanded an independent and transparent investigation to ensure accountability for the deaths and alleged abuses.