Probe body holds both NCP, Awami League at fault for Gopalganj clash

A judicial inquiry has found that both the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the local unit the Awami League were responsible for the clash surrounding NCP's rally in Gopalganj.

The report of the six-member investigation commission formed by the government said that the clash was 'inevitable' due to incitement, rumours, the intransigence of both parties and the indecisiveness of the administration.

Quoting commission member and acting chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University, Dr Sazzad Siddiqui, BBC Bangla mentioned 8-10 recommendations and five things to do for the future.

Reasons for the clash
According to the commission report, tension increased after the NCP changed the name of its nationwide programme to 'March to Gopalganj'. This seems provocative to the locals. Before the rally and that morning, after various incidents including attacks on administration vehicles and explosions of cocktails, there was a fear of conflict.

The report said that the NCP's slogan 'Mujibabad Murdabad' created misunderstandings among the locals. Rumors spread that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's grave might be demolished. After the announcement from the mosque, locals took to the streets and attacked the NCP members.

In the words of Dr Siddiqui, 'The special tribalism of the people of Gopalganj and the refusal to accept the post-August 5 reality - this position of the two sides made the conflict inevitable.'

There was tension in Gopalganj even before the conflict. The opposing positions of the two sides on the issue can be seen on social media. Overall, the investigation commission found a lack of communication and coordination between the local administration, law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, including political parties.

Who is involved
The commission analyzed media photos, videos and interviews and said that most of those whose names have come up have political affiliations. ‘Local people gathered and attacked under the leadership of party people,’ said Siddiqui.

Top NCP leaders who were trapped on their way to finish the NCP rally in Gopalganj were rescued with the help of the military. Dr Siddiqui said, ‘Those who went there to rally seemed to have been in a hurry.’

Recommendations and actions
The commission has recommended taking permission at least 15 days in advance before organizing sensitive political programmes. Caution in the choice of words and sentences in political speeches, legal measures against provocative comments, coordination between administration and intelligence agencies, and the use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies have also been recommended.

Sazzad Siddiqui said: "The incident in Gopalganj was seen as a result of mutual hatred. As a result, the conflict became inevitable."

In addition, it has been suggested to compensate the families of the deceased and reward officials who show professionalism in their duties.

Investigation into shooting deaths
Five people were killed in the massive clash over the rally. However, the commission did not investigate how and by whom the five people were killed. The commission's TOR or terms of reference did not include an investigation into shooting deaths.

Sazzad Siddiqui said: "Who shot the dead is a technical matter. If necessary, the government can conduct a separate investigation with the help of forensic or international experts."

Gopalganj police said the cause of death of the five people shot was 'bleeding and shock, which occurred as a result of previous injuries'—and it was in the nature of a murder.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) told BBC Bangla that a national-level inquiry commission led by a retired judge has been formed into the Gopalganj incident and the commission has already presented its investigation report. The ISPR said that the army was forced to use force in self-defense in that incident.

Report not published
Although the commission submitted its report at the end of last September, the government has not yet published it.

Sazzad Siddiqui said: "There is no sensitive matter in the report. It should be published to increase the transparency of the government and public trust."