The interim government has formed a high-powered investigation committee to probe the deadly violence that erupted in Gopalganj on 16 July during the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) march, which left at least four people dead and dozens injured.
Headed by Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Nasimul Ghani, the three-member committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Law and Justice. The panel has been tasked with investigating the causes of the violence, identifying those responsible for the deaths and clashes, and submitting a comprehensive report to the Chief Adviser’s Office within 14 days.
The decision to launch the inquiry comes amid growing public concern over the use of force and allegations of politically motivated attacks on demonstrators. Civil society groups and opposition parties have accused ruling party affiliates of orchestrating the violence, while law enforcement agencies face scrutiny over their role in handling the situation.
Ganatantrik Odhikar Committee, a pro-democracy advocacy group, has demanded that the probe be carried out swiftly and impartially. “There must be full accountability for the deaths and injuries. Justice cannot be selective,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Gopalganj clashes, which began during the NCP’s “March to Gopalganj” programme, saw intense confrontations between protesters, ruling party activists, and security forces. An overnight curfew was imposed in the district following the unrest, and joint forces were deployed to restore order.
NCP Convener Nahid Islam has strongly condemned the violence, calling it “a premeditated attack on peaceful marchers.” The party has demanded the resignation of the Home Adviser and pledged to continue nationwide protests if justice is not delivered.