Gopalganj Shooting Incident 2025: Four Killed Amid Alleged Use of Lethal Force
Gopalganj Shooting Incident 2025 has sparked national outrage as families of the deceased confirmed bullet wounds on the victims’ bodies, while human rights activists accuse security forces of using excessive force. Authorities, however, have denied the use of lethal weapons during the deadly political unrest in Gopalganj on Wednesday.
The violence erupted during the Nationalist Citizen Party’s (NCP) controversial “March to Gopalganj” rally. Clouds of tear gas filled the streets as security forces attempted to disperse protesters. However, human rights groups say the government cannot evade responsibility for the deaths.
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The Inspector General of Police insisted that “no lethal weapons were used,” while military officials admitted to using force but declined to claim responsibility for the four civilian deaths, raising the critical question: who fired the deadly shots?
Government Orders Investigation
A three-member probe committee, headed by Home Ministry Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, has been formed by the Office of the Chief Advisor. The committee has been instructed to submit a full report within two weeks.
“The interim government is committed to justice and will bring those responsible under the law,” said a statement from the Press Wing of the Chief Advisor’s Office.
Home Affairs Advisor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury told reporters that the situation in Gopalganj has returned to “somewhat normal.” However, he admitted that intelligence about the extent of unrest was lacking.
Curfew and Arrests
According to Dhaka Range DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik, police arrested 25 individuals between Wednesday night and Thursday noon. A curfew was imposed on Gopalganj from Wednesday night and will continue through Friday with a brief pause from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Joint patrols by the army, RAB, police, and BGB have been deployed across the city, which remains tense but under control.
Contradictory Claims on Use of Force
Despite statements from the IGP denying use of firearms, multiple video clips and photographs surfaced in local and international media, showing both police and military personnel firing weapons. Neither party has taken responsibility for the four deaths.
In a press statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said the army used force in self-defense after being attacked with cocktails and stones. They claim to have issued repeated warnings through loudspeakers before engaging.
Victims sheltering at the Superintendent of Police’s office were later relocated to Khulna under army supervision.
DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik told Deutsche Welle that investigations are underway to determine if any lethal weapons were used and who exactly fired the shots. He added that a few officers received minor injuries, but no serious casualties were reported among security forces.
Victim Testimonies and Family Accounts
One of the deceased, Sohel Rana, a father of two and only child of his parents, ran a mobile phone shop. His uncle Zahidul Islam told Deutsche Welle that Sohel had gunshot wounds on his leg and chest. His body was returned to the family and buried early Thursday morning.
Another victim, Imon, was reportedly dragged, beaten, and shot in the leg. His uncle Shakil Molla alleged that both uniformed and plain-clothed personnel were involved. Imon’s cousin Ramzan, who tried to save him, was also beaten and later arrested.
Shakil added, “We are too afraid to file a case.”
Several injured individuals have been shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, including rickshaw-puller Ramzan Munshi who was shot in the chest and is now in critical condition.
Dr. Jibitesh Biswas, Superintendent of Gopalganj General Hospital, confirmed that all four victims had gunshot wounds, and over 20 others were injured, most with bullet injuries.
Human Rights Groups Demand Accountability
Rights group ASK (Ain o Salish Kendra) released a statement holding the government responsible and demanded an independent, impartial investigation.
They warned that the state had failed its duty to protect citizens and that such violence violates constitutional and international human rights standards.
ASK Senior Coordinator Abu Ahmed Faizul Kabir stated, “We’ve seen clear footage of armed personnel firing shots. The government must publicly disclose who fired the bullets. Otherwise, public mistrust will grow.”
Human rights commissioner Nur Khan condemned the use of lethal force and added that the violence could have been avoided had the government taken appropriate measures.
NCP Responds
NCP Co-convener Monira Sharmin told reporters that their “March to Gopalganj” was merely part of a national campaign and accused the authorities of failing to provide adequate security despite intelligence inputs.
She alleged, “Banned groups aligned with Awami League also had firearms and opened fire.”
Timeline of the Unrest
NCP’s program was renamed “March to Gopalganj” just one day before the event. Tension escalated after early morning attacks on police vehicles and the local administration’s car.
At 11:00 AM, NCP was supposed to hold its rally, but by 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, violence had already begun. A mob set fire to the stage, and roadblocks were set up across the city. After delivering a short 40-minute speech, NCP leaders tried to leave but were attacked again. They sought refuge at the police headquarters before being escorted to Khulna by military APCs.
Local witnesses claim ruling party activists had gathered with sticks and weapons to prevent the NCP rally. Clashes broke out, and heavy gunfire ensued. NCP later accused security forces of failing to protect them and alleged an assassination attempt.
Legal advisor Asif Nazrul told the press in Syedpur, “We are working with a police force appointed by the Awami regime. They are not fully cooperating. Sheikh Hasina has left behind a broken state.”
Gopalganj Shooting Incident 2025 has thus become a defining moment in the fragile balance between political rights, law enforcement conduct, and state accountability ahead of Bangladesh’s next national election.
