Gopalganj mayhem demands answers
We condemn the attacks on the National Citizen Party's (NCP) rally in Gopalganj by alleged activists and supporters of the fallen Awami League regime. We also regret the loss of at least four lives following daylong clashes between security forces and AL supporters. While the violence was triggered by AL activists, we must ask: did it justify such a forceful response from the security forces, including the quick use of lethal weapons? Following the ouster of the AL regime, and in line with the aspirations of the people, we had hoped that the use of deadly force by security personnel would be limited only to the most extreme circumstances. Even Nahid Islam, the NCP convener, has condemned the use of such lethal force—a principled position that deserves to be acknowledged.
Reports suggest that tensions had been high in Gopalganj since Wednesday morning, as AL supporters, armed with local weapons, took up positions on the Gopalganj-Tekerhat road in the Ulpur area of Sadar upazila, blocking several roads by felling trees. They also set fire to a government vehicle and damaged another. Later, they vandalised the venue of the NCP rally and attempted to physically harm NCP leaders and activists. Given that all political activities of the AL have been banned by the government, and with overwhelming evidence emerging of the party's involvement in crimes during the July uprising, it is deeply disturbing that its supporters have once again resorted to such violence.
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But it is how such violence is handled that best reflects the aspirations and capability of a country, and we have set a poor example of that in Gopalganj. That said, the culture of attacking rival political rallies has long been one of the biggest obstacles to establishing democracy in this country. This is something we must urgently address. We hope all political parties take heed of this grave crime committed by AL supporters and refrain from repeating such actions in the future. Not only do these acts damage the country's image, but they also instil fear among the public as we are currently witnessing in Gopalganj, where the government has extended a curfew indefinitely.
In response to these developments, the government has so far arrested at least 25 individuals and deployed additional law enforcement personnel to prevent further untoward incidents. Reportedly, a committee has also been formed to investigate the events of July 16. We hope the committee will carry out its duties with the utmost transparency and ensure accountability for the deaths and injuries. Those responsible for the attacks on NCP must be brought to justice. Equally, those responsible for the loss of lives must also be held accountable.
Finally, the home affairs adviser admitted that law enforcement agencies had prior intelligence regarding potential unrest in Gopalganj, although they did not anticipate the scale of the violence that eventually unfolded. In that case, why were security measures not strengthened accordingly? This, too, must be thoroughly investigated by the government.
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