Those responsible for Gopalganj brutality will face justice: Govt

The interim government issued a strong condemnation of the violent attacks on a peaceful National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday, July 16, labelling the incident a “shameful violation” of fundamental rights. 

The rally was disrupted by alleged members of the banned Awami League’s Chhatra League and other Awami League activists, who vandalised vehicles and assaulted NCP members, police, and journalists.

In an official statement released at 5:21pm, the interim government declared, “The use of violence today in Gopalganj is utterly indefensible. Preventing young citizens from peacefully holding a rally is a shameful violation of their fundamental rights.” 

The statement highlighted the brutality faced by NCP activists, law enforcement, and media personnel, with cars damaged and individuals violently attacked in the Municipal Park and Launch Ghat areas.

The government vowed that the perpetrators would face swift justice, saying, “This heinous act will not go unpunished. The perpetrators must be identified and held fully accountable. There is no place for such violence against any citizen of Bangladesh.” 

Authorities are actively pursuing the attackers, with ongoing operations to restore order in the city, which descended into chaos following the assault around 2:30pm.

“Let it be made absolutely clear: violence has no place in our nation. Justice must and will prevail,” the statement concluded, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding democratic rights and ensuring accountability.

The attacks have heightened tensions in Gopalganj, a historical Awami League stronghold, as the NCP pushes its agenda for a discrimination-free Bangladesh.