A group of 11 concerned citizens has called for an independent investigation into the violence and fatalities surrounding the July 16 National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj, after conducting a field visit to assess the unfolding human rights and law-and-order crisis.
The delegation, which included academics, journalists, and rights advocates, visited key sites and spoke with a wide range of stakeholders, including eyewitnesses, locals, political leaders, police, and students.
While time constraints prevented full verification of all accounts, the group’s observations raise serious questions about political provocation, state preparedness, and the proportionality of force used during the unrest.
Mounting tensions before the rally
Tensions between Awami League (activities of which are suspended) supporters and NCP activists had been escalating on social media in the days leading up to the rally. Provocative posts, veiled threats, and inflammatory references to the Tungipara memorial– considered a sensitive political and symbolic site– contributed to a volatile atmosphere.
Members of the student-led anti-discrimination movement at Gopalganj University blamed the AL’s online rhetoric for inciting public anger, although some locals also questioned NCP leaders’ failure to distance themselves from extreme statements circulating online.
Violence on July 16: Clashes, deaths, and disarray
According to the delegation’s findings, the violence began before the rally formally commenced. A group of 40–50 individuals vandalised the stage, torched vehicles, and reportedly detonated crude explosives. Businesses in the area had been ordered to close by police, leading to low turnout and heightened fear.
Eyewitnesses and journalists allege that armed attackers linked to the AL stormed the rally site. Local police appeared unprepared, citing a long-standing restriction on political activities of Awami League in the district as elsewhere in the country.
A controversial chant– “Down with Mujibism”– reportedly fueled outrage, drawing thousands of locals to the scene. As NCP leaders attempted to leave the area, they came under attack near the town’s launch terminal. Police reportedly ran out of non-lethal munitions and were forced to retreat several times. Reinforcements were brought in, and the military allegedly opened live fire to disperse the crowd.
Five people were confirmed dead. Among them, Dipto Saha, a local businessman, was reportedly shot in the back while unarmed. Another victim, a minor named Imon, was shot in the leg and allegedly pinned to the ground by security forces– footage of which has sparked outrage online. The civic group could not independently verify these incidents but stressed the urgent need for impartial investigation.
While authorities claimed attackers were armed, none of the civilians interviewed by the group confirmed seeing firearms, although most mentioned makeshift weapons and explosive devices.
Aftermath: Arrests, intimidation, fear
Following the violence, Section 144 was imposed, over 300 people were arrested, and charges were reportedly filed against more than 10,000 individuals, including under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Special Powers Act. Alarmingly, 18 minors were also detained and sent to a juvenile facility, raising questions about due process and access to legal counsel.
Though Section 144 was lifted before the delegation’s visit, fear and anxiety persisted– especially among young people and small business owners. Many injured individuals are reportedly receiving secret medical care outside the district, fearing reprisals.
A six-member inquiry commission has since been formed by the government, but its credibility is being questioned by the civic delegation. They said the inclusion of members from the army and Home Ministry– who are themselves blamed for exercising lethal force– has cast serious doubt on the commission’s neutrality. Moreover, the commission’s mandate does not include investigating the role of security forces in the violence.
Civic delegation’s recommendations
In its preliminary statement, the delegation called for: An independent and neutral investigation into the attacks and killings at the NCP rally, excluding agencies directly implicated in the violence; Respect for the right to peaceful assembly for all political parties, and accountability for those who attacked the rally; Immediate review of mass arrests and blanket application of repressive laws, particularly those targeting minors; Scrutiny over the use of lethal force and whether it constituted a violation of human rights; Structural reform of the inquiry commission to ensure impartiality and public trust; De-escalation of retaliatory rhetoric, and a rejection of misinformation that fuels collective blame or discrimination; Urgent revitalisation of Bangladesh’s Human Rights Commission, which has remained largely inactive in the face of repeated abuses; and Justice without vengeance, with protection for innocent citizens and an emphasis on rule of law over political vendetta.
