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Published : 31 Jul 2025, 09:56 PM
The Army Headquarters has claimed that although troops were compelled to use “force” in Gopalganj during clashes around a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally two weeks ago, no lethal weapons were deployed during the incident.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment on Thursday, Col Staff Md Shafiqul Islam of the Military Operations Directorate called the situation “undesirable”.
He added that security personnel came under attack with brickbats and crude bombs. “The law enforcers acted in self-defence when there was a threat to life.”
The briefing was part of the military’s ongoing series of press conferences to present the activities of the joint forces.
On Jul 16, the town descended into chaos after the NCP leaders and activists arrived for a rally as part of the party's ongoing “July March”.
The event triggered a violent response from alleged Awami League activists, culminating in back-and-forth chases and clashes between protesters and law enforcers.
Four people died during the five-hour clashes, with an autorickshaw driver later succumbing to gunshot wounds while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
While the police claimed in their case files that the deaths were caused by “miscreants’” gunfire, local residents alleged that law enforcers had opened fire.
Witnesses said officers fired shots to disperse attackers positioned at alleyways.
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) issued a statement on Jul 17 saying that troops were “forced to use force in self-defence”.
The Army HQ reiterated the same position after 15 days at the briefing.
Col Shafiqul said a probe committee has been formed to determine the truth behind the incident. “We hope the committee will be able to reveal the actual facts.”
In response to a question about the Army’s “special attention” to the NCP, he said: “We have never provided preferential treatment to any political party. We don’t view our responsibilities that way.
“Many leaders of that political party were under threat in Gopalganj. The Army intervened to protect lives -- that was the only objective.”
“We have no bias towards any particular group,” he added. “Everyone is equal in our eyes. If there is a threat to public safety or life, we act decisively and assist civilians.
“Had we not fulfilled our duty properly, the casualties could have been much higher.”
Asked whether the Army had advance intelligence on the unrest, Shafiqul said: “Approvals for political gatherings are granted by the local administration.
“While the administration and police may have had prior information, the Army did not receive any such intelligence.”
On the issue circulating on social media about a “Major Sadik” allegedly training the Awami League supporters, Col Shafiqul said: “We’re aware of the matter. An investigation is ongoing.
“We’ll provide full details once it concludes.”
He said the Army has arrested 5,576 individuals for their involvement in extortion and drug-related activities. “If other law-enforcing agencies carry out their roles effectively, we believe such incidents will decline further.
“As for the Army, we continue to perform our assigned duties.”
Shafiqul clarified that the Army’s magistracy powers only allow for searches and arrests. “After handing over suspects to the judicial process, the matter is no longer in our hands.
“The agencies primarily responsible must be more effective.”
He attributed recent unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to “rival groups’ extortion conflicts”.
“Our operations are ongoing there, and they will continue.”
Asked whether withdrawal of camps in Bandarban had led to arms trading between Arakan Army and Kuki-Chin groups, he said: “The claim that the Army is unable to provide protection in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is untrue.
“We’re continuing protection and operations effectively.”
He added that where necessary, the Army establishes temporary operating bases to carry out missions, and no disruptions have occurred due to this.
