The burial and cremation of four individuals killed during Wednesday’s political violence in Gopalganj were carried out without post-mortem examinations, sparking questions about procedural lapses and raising concerns over accountability.
None of the deceased underwent an autopsy, and even inquest (surathal) reports were not filed, family members and hospital sources confirmed. The four individuals were laid to rest within hours of their deaths, despite confirmation from hospital authorities that they died from gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by law enforcement personnel during a clash that ensued following the Awami League’s violent attempt to resist a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj town.
Among the deceased was Dipto Saha, 30, a garment trader and resident of Udayan Road, who was cremated on Wednesday night at the municipal cremation ground. Ramzan Kazi, 19, a tile worker’s assistant from Harinahati village in Kotalipara, was buried the same night after the Esha prayer.
On Thursday morning, the remaining two victims—Sohel Rana, 35, a mobile phone shop owner from Shanapara, and Imon Talukdar, 24, an employee at a crockery store from the Bherar Bazar area in Sadar upazila—were buried at the municipal graveyard.
Family members of all four victims have alleged that they died from bullet wounds fired by law enforcement personnel. Hospital sources corroborated these claims, stating that all four bodies bore visible gunshot injuries.
Ramzan’s father, Kamrul Kazi, alleged that they did not want to take his son’s body without a post-mortem examination, but hospital staff refused to comply, telling them to “take away the body for immediate burial.”
“They refused to conduct the autopsy when we approached them again later,” Kamrul told our reporter.
Wednesday’s violence erupted when the NCP attempted to hold a political rally in Gopalganj, which quickly devolved into a full-scale street battle. The conflict centred around the municipal park and launch terminal areas of the town, both of which resembled a war zone by the afternoon.
Eyewitnesses and locals reported intense confrontations between NCP supporters, law enforcement, and alleged Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists. The latter group reportedly carried out widespread arson and vandalism across various government and private properties, including vehicles, in different parts of the city.
Throughout the day, law enforcement personnel engaged in multiple rounds of clashes with the attackers. Tear gas shells, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition were allegedly used to disperse the crowds.
Hospital authorities confirmed that more than 100 people were injured in the violence, including nine individuals who sustained bullet wounds. Among the critically wounded, three were transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical treatment.
Dr Jibitesh Biswas, Superintendent of Gopalganj General Hospital, confirmed the arrival of four deceased individuals at the hospital on Wednesday and said that three others in critical condition had been referred to Dhaka.
At least one of them, Sumon Biswas—a young driver—was admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with gunshot wounds to his abdomen and hand. A hospital source confirmed his identity and stated that his condition remains critical.