Staff Correspondent:

The government has launched an investigation 26 days after violence erupted following a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj. Members of the inquiry committee said the report would be submitted and made public as soon as possible.

The remarks came at a press briefing held on Tuesday evening at the Gopalganj deputy commissioner’s conference room. The six-member team, led by former judge Md Abu Tariq, visited areas and structures damaged in the clashes.

On 16 July, violence broke out in Gopalganj town during the NCP rally, leaving five people dead and many injured. Several arrests followed.

In late July, an observation team of 11 citizens questioned the “excessive use of force” and urged the government to ensure an impartial and credible investigation. After visiting the site, they found “no justification” for the police to use lethal weapons. The team also reported that the police did not use any deadly weapons, but claimed that “provocative statements” by NCP leaders had worsened the situation.

Against this backdrop, the official inquiry has begun.

On Tuesday, the investigation team inspected sites, including the vandalised Gopalganj District Jail – the spot in Ulpur, Sadar upazila where a police vehicle was set on fire, the NCP rally venue at the municipal park, the attacked residence of the deputy commissioner, and other locations.

They also spoke with people from different professions and backgrounds to gather eyewitness accounts.

Committee member Md Mahabubur Rahman, additional secretary at the Public Security Division, said the investigation would continue on Wednesday.