Govt cannot avoid responsibility for 4 deaths in Gopalganj: ASK

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a non-governmental human rights organization, expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the recent violence at a National Citizen Party (NCP) political rally in Gopalganj, where four people were killed in clashes between political activists and law enforcement. ASK also urged all parties to remain calm and maintain peace and order.

In a press statement issued on Thursday (July 17), ASK made this call.

Based on media reports, the statement said that on Wednesday (July 16), tension suddenly erupted at the pre-announced NCP rally in Gopalganj Municipal Park when a group of local Awami League activists allegedly attacked the gathering. During the attack, incidents of arson and vandalism occurred in different places. As the clash escalated, law enforcement officers allegedly used force on the crowd and fired live ammunition in public.

According to the statement, four people — Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), Sohel Molla (41), and Iman (24) — were killed in the incident. Many others were injured, some of whom were shot and are now receiving treatment in hospitals.

ASK believes that freedom of expression and the right to hold peaceful gatherings are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh. It is the duty of the state and administration to protect these rights, defuse tensions during such situations, and ensure the safety of people's lives — without resorting to excessive force. The way force and firearms were reportedly used on the public in Gopalganj is a serious violation of both international human rights standards and the Constitution, and is completely unacceptable.

The statement further noted that while the Inspector General of Police claimed to the media that no lethal weapons were used, videos circulating on social media clearly show firearms being discharged and the sound of gunshots. ASK raised a critical question: if the police did not fire the weapons, then who did? Without a clear and credible explanation, public confusion, fear, and distrust in the authorities are likely to grow.

To maintain stability, peace, and law and order in the country, ASK called on all concerned parties to act with patience, responsibility, and restraint. In particular, they urged law enforcement to ensure that no innocent people are harassed or subjected to violence in the aftermath, and that no further human rights violations occur.

ASK asserted that the government cannot evade responsibility for the deaths of the four individuals. It called for an immediate, independent, impartial, and thorough investigation into the incident. The organization also urged that those behind the attack on NCP leaders and supporters be identified, and any negligence by officials responsible for ensuring security at the rally be properly scrutinized. Moreover, ASK stressed the need for adequate medical treatment for the injured and called on the state to show accountability and compassion toward the families of the victims.

The statement concluded that the use of excessive force, gunfire, and resulting loss of life represent a serious threat to democracy, human rights, and public safety. Ensuring the protection of citizens' lives is a fundamental responsibility of the state — one that, in the case of the Gopalganj incident, the state has clearly failed to uphold.