Dhaka: The government has established a six-member probe commission to investigate the violence that erupted in Gopalganj, including attacks on various establishments and threats to public security surrounding a scheduled rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on July 16.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the commission is led by former Justice Dr. Md. Abu Tarique. It includes Additional Secretary (Public Security Division) Khandoker M Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Secretary (Senior District and Session Judge) Law and Justice Division M Saiful Islam, Brigadier General Shahidur Rahman Osmani from the 21 Artillery Brigade, Director of the Central Police Hospital Additional Police Inspector General Sarder Nurul Amin, and Professor Dr. Sajjad Siddiqui, Chairman of the Peace and Conflict Studies Department at Dhaka University.
The formation of the probe commission follows the recommendations of an initial probe committee that was organized immediately after the violent incidents in Gopalganj on July 16, which resulted in at least four fatalities and numerous injuries. The commission's mandate is to uncover the reasons behind the violence, identify those responsible for the attack on the NCP rally, and provide recommendations for legal actions against the perpetrators.
The commission has the authority to include additional suitable members if necessary. The initial committee reported that supporters of the Awami League and the banned Chhatra League executed a planned attack on the NCP's July March event in Gopalganj. In response to the escalating situation, local authorities imposed Section 144 in the area and deployed the army, eventually enforcing a curfew to restore order.
The probe commission's responsibilities include investigating additional incidents, such as attacks on government establishments and disruptions to citizen security. The public security division of the Home Affairs Ministry will offer secretarial support and cover the expenses incurred by the commission.
The commission is tasked with submitting its findings and recommendations to the concerned ministry within three weeks.