Wednesday’s violence in Gopalganj, where NCP supporters were attacked by the banned Chhatra League, has raised concerns. Analysts agree it is part of a broader conspiracy to destabilise the government and undermine democracy. They warned that disunity among political parties exacerbates the risk of instability.
Experts stressed that the people of Bangladesh, having made significant sacrifices, are determined to move forward. The need for unity to confront these threats was emphasised. The violence aimed to show the government’s failure and create instability.
Attack on NCP shows Hasina’s ruthlessness
Dr Mahbub Ullah, Retired Professor of Dhaka University
The attack on the leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) proves how ruthless and cruel the ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, can be. Even while residing in a neighbouring country, she continues to fuel unrest in Bangladesh.
From her various recent statements made before and after the incident, it has now become a matter of public discourse that she shows no sign of remorse—not even the bare minimum one might expect from a human being. The Gopalganj incident has once again proven that neither Sheikh Hasina nor anyone in the Awami League feels any regret, despite the bloodshed that occurred.
However, the loss of four lives is undeniably tragic and unacceptable, regardless of political perspective.
While some believe that the NCP should not have organised a march towards Gopalganj, he views the matter differently. Every political party has the constitutional right to hold gatherings anywhere in the country. By holding a rally in Gopalganj, how did the NCP commit any wrong? Clearly, they did not. Therefore, those opposing the Gopalganj-bound programme should also have their intentions questioned.
The events in Gopalganj demonstrate once again that the Awami League continues to pursue its political conspiracies. In confronting this ruling party in the future, he stressed that there is no alternative to a united national opposition.
Gopalganj attack highlights growing political instability
Dr. Abdul Latif Masum, Ex-vice-chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University
A conspiracy blueprint was drawn in Gopalganj, aimed at destabilising the government. The plan was to show that the government had failed, and if the conspiracy succeeded, it would try to convince the public that the country could not be governed under this administration. Ultimately, the goal was to make it appear that elections could not be held under the current government. In short, the main objective was to create instability in the country.
However, these conspiracies will no longer work. The people of Bangladesh are awake. They have gained a new Bangladesh through their sacrifices, and they have no intention of turning back.
The recent violence in Gopalganj, where NCP supporters were attacked by the banned Chhatra League during a rally, highlights the growing political tensions and the lengths to which certain groups will go to destabilise the country. The incident, which left several people injured and four dead, further exposes the risks of political violence and the urgent need for unity in the face of such challenges.
Furthermore, the disunity among political parties has underscored the urgent need to restore unity, as evidenced by the Gopalganj incident.
A wake-up call for politics and civil society
Dr Dilara Chowdhury, Retired professor of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University
Responsibility lies with the government, political parties, and a section of civil society for the recent attack on leaders and activists of the National Citizen Party (NCP) by the banned Chhatra League during the party’s rally in Gopalganj.
First and foremost, the government is responsible because, even after all this time, no visible reforms have taken place, leaving the administration stuck in its old ways. There has been no proactive effort from the authorities.
A major incident occurred in Gopalganj—why was there no intelligence report? Why were the police inactive from the outset? These are just some of the many questions that arise from this event.
The boldness shown by the Awami League in Gopalganj stems from disunity among the opposition parties, which had previously formed a united front during the mass movement.
Awami League members likely assumed that if they attacked NCP supporters, the BNP and Jamaat would not come to their defence. The ongoing mudslinging between the BNP, Jamaat, and NCP has emboldened the ruling party.
Disunity among opposition forces was a key factor behind the Awami League’s aggressive stance in Gopalganj. The incident clearly signals that if these divisions persist among those pushing for change, the Awami League will regain strength and reassert itself in the political arena.
If the political parties come to recognise the need to restore the unity that existed prior to 5 August last year, then this incident could serve as a turning point in national politics.
Additionally, the attack may serve as a wake-up call to those members of civil society who have long spoken in favour of the Awami League. The public also deserves answers from that segment of civil society—why was a peaceful rally met with such a violent assault?
A stark reminder of democracy’s vulnerability
Dr Badiul Alam Majumdar, Head of Electoral Reform Commission
The recent political violence in Gopalganj is a matter of great concern, where supporters of the National Citizen Party (NCP) were attacked during a rally by the banned Chhatra League.
This is a tragic incident. It should never have happened. It serves as a warning to us.
We must learn from this and move forward united. Otherwise, if the fallen autocracy returns, the situation for those who desire democracy will be clear.
The violence in Gopalganj erupted on Wednesday during a rally organised by the NCP. The rally, which was intended to be a peaceful political gathering, quickly turned violent when members of the banned Chhatra League clashed with NCP supporters.
The situation escalated rapidly, with intense confrontations between the two groups. Eyewitnesses reported that Chhatra League activists attacked NCP supporters, and law enforcement was accused of being inactive or failing to prevent the violence.
Several individuals sustained injuries, and four were tragically killed, allegedly by gunshot wounds inflicted by law enforcement personnel.
These deaths raised serious questions about the handling of the situation by security forces. The incident has since sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and concerns over the growing political violence in Bangladesh.