‘All perpetrators must face justice,’ government condemns attack on NCP rally

The interim government praises the courage of students and citizens who continued the rally despite the violence

The interim government has said everyone involved in the violence in Gopalganj surrounding a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) will face justice, describing the attack as a “shameful violation of human rights”.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the government noted that the NCP leaders and activists, as well as police personnel and journalists, were subjected to “brutal attacks”. Their vehicles were vandalised, and many were violently assaulted.

“None of those involved in this heinous assault will escape justice. It is alleged that members of the banned Awami League and [Bangladesh] Chhatra League were responsible,” the statement said.

“The violence that unfolded [on Wednesday] in Gopalganj is utterly unacceptable. The attack on a peaceful public event called by young citizens to mark the anniversary of the revolutionary July movement constitutes a disgraceful breach of human rights.”

“The perpetrators must be swiftly identified and held accountable. There can be no place for such violence against any citizen of this country,” the government said.

The interim administration also commended the actions of the Army and police.

“We appreciate the intervention of the armed forces and police,” the statement read. “We also applaud the courage and resolve of the students and citizens who continued the gathering despite such a brutal assault.”

It added, “Let it be clear -- there is no place for violence in this country. Justice will prevail.”