Bangladesh forms probe body over Gopalganj incident

Bangladesh’s interim government has formed a high-level committee to investigate the recent outbreak of violence and deaths involving supporters of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League during the National Citizen Party's (NCP) July march event in Gopalganj.

The Chief Advisor’s Press Wing on Thursday (July 17) issued a press release in this regard.

According to the release, Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry, Nasimul Gani, will lead the investigation. The committee will also include two additional secretaries from the Ministry of Public Administration and the Ministry of Law and Justice.

A full report is expected to be submitted to the Chief Adviser’s office within the next two weeks, it added.

The interim government said it remains “committed to justice and peace,” and assured that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.

On Wednesday (16 July), supporters of the banned Chhatra League and the Awami League allegedly launched coordinated attacks surrounding the NCP’s pre-scheduled rally in Gopalganj.

According to the statement, violence broke out when a police vehicle was first vandalised and set on fire, followed by an attack on the motorcade of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO). Later, the attackers stormed the NCP rally site at the municipal park, vandalising the stage and chairs and reportedly detonating crude explosives.

Despite the attacks, the NCP held its rally as planned. However, on their return, a convoy of NCP leaders and activists was again attacked, with multiple vehicles reportedly damaged by members of Chhatra League and Jubo League.

When police and law enforcement agencies intervened, clashes intensified. Authorities imposed Section 144 in the area and deployed the army. As the situation continued to deteriorate, a curfew was eventually enforced to regain control.

At least four people were killed and several others injured in the violence, according to initial reports.