Six-member commission to investigate Gopalganj violence

The commission, led by Md Abu Tariq, has been tasked with submitting a report within three weeks

The interim government has formed a six-member commission of inquiry to investigate the recent violence surrounding a rally organised by the National Citizen Party, including attacks on government institutions and a breakdown in civil order.

The commission, led by former justice and freedom fighter Md Abu Tariq, has been tasked with submitting a report containing findings and recommendations within three weeks.

The decision, announced Thursday in a notification from the Chief Advisor’s Office, follows the recommendations of an earlier investigation committee formed after the events in Gopalganj.

The inquiry has been constituted under Section 3 of the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1956.

It will examine the circumstances that led to the attacks and unrest, including violence at the rally, disruptions to civil security, and damage to government property such as the district jail.

MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION:

1. President - Md Abu Tariq, former justice and freedom fighter

2. Member - Md Mahabubur Rahman, additional secretary of the Public Security Division

3. Member - Md Saiful Islam, additional secretary of the Law and Justice Department and Senior District and Sessions Judge

4. Member - Brig Gen Sahidur Rahman Osmani, commander of the 21st Infantry Brigade

5. Member - Sarder Nurul Amin, director of the Central Police Hospital and an additional inspector general of police

6. Member - Dr Sazzad Siddiqui, chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Dhaka

The commission may appoint additional members if necessary. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Public Security Division will provide administrative support, resources, and assistance from government officials.

The terms of reference direct the commission to:

• Identify the causes of the unrest

• Determine the individuals or groups responsible

• Recommend legal actions

• Assess attacks on government facilities and threats to public safety

• Advise the government on preventing similar incidents in the future

According to the initial investigation, activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and Awami League allegedly carried out a “planned” attack on the NCP’s rally in Gopalganj on Jul 16.

In response to escalating violence, the local administration first imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning all gatherings and assemblies, and later declared a curfew. Armed forces were deployed to contain the situation, which resulted in casualties.

“In this context, it became urgent to uncover the issues of attacks on government facilities, including the district jail and the security crisis,” the notification said.

The violence occurred during the NCP’s “July March for Building Nation”, a nationwide programme marking the anniversary of the July 2024 Uprising.

On Jul 16, the party held a rally titled “March for Gopalganj” in the district headquarters, which is also the home constituency of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tensions escalated on the night before the rally, as rumours spread in the area. Violence began on the morning of Jul 16 with an attack on a police vehicle and acts of arson, followed by an assault on the vehicle of the Upazila Nirbahi (executive) Officer (UNO).

The NCP activists alleged that members of the banned organisations Awami League and Chhatra League marched toward the rally stage in Gopalganj’s Municipal Park, shouting “Joy Bangla” and launched an attack.

The rally commenced shortly afterwards with the arrival of central NCP leaders. Following a brief gathering, the leaders departed under police protection but were attacked again near Gopalganj Government College in the launch ghat area.

Clashes erupted across the city between police, Army personnel, and the alleged attackers, turning Gopalganj into what witnesses described as a battlefield.

The NCP leaders eventually took refuge at the office of the superintendent of police. Authorities imposed Section 144 in the afternoon and later declared a curfew starting at 8pm.

The NCP leaders were later evacuated from the area in an armoured vehicle provided by the Army. Four people died in the clashes that day, and one more succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

Police have since filed ten cases in connection with the events of Jul 16.

More than 10,000 Awami League activists and leaders have been named in the cases. As of now, authorities have arrested 312 individuals.