In a grim turn of events, four civilians were killed and at least nine others injured after the Bangladesh Army opened fire during a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj, the hometown of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on July 16.
The dead include Deepto Saha (25), Ramzan Qazi (18), and Sohel Molla (41). All succumbed to gunshot injuries, confirmed doctors at Gopalganj General Hospital, who added that the victims were brought in critically wounded and could not be revived.
At least three people died and many injured as locals in #Gopalganj, believed to be supporters of #AwamiLeague, locked into firecy clash with NCP and law enforcers during NCP rally in the AL’s hubspot in #Bangladesh . pic.twitter.com/238fjGWbqC
— Sardar Ronie (@m_ronie) July 16, 2025
The violence broke out when NCP, Bangladesh’s first student-led political party, formed on February 28, 2025, was conducting a mass rally marking one year of its movement. The protest, which began peacefully, turned violent after supporters of the Awami League, led by Hasina’s political cadre, allegedly attacked the rally with sticks, stones, and bricks, according to Prothom Alo and eyewitness accounts.
Clashes Escalate as Security Forces Respond with Lethal Force
The situation deteriorated rapidly when clashes erupted not only between Awami League supporters and NCP activists but also involved attacks on police vehicles, the car of the local administrative head, and members of the convoy accompanying the NCP leaders.
In response, Bangladesh’s security forces, including police, army, and paramilitary, launched an aggressive crackdown, firing live bullets, lobbing tear gas shells, and deploying sound grenades to control the crowd.
Despite the violence, NCP leaders, including convener Nahid Islam, continued the rally from a damaged stage. Nahid issued a stark warning, stating, “If justice is not given, we will take it ourselves.”
Youth Voices Silenced: Names of the Deceased Emerge
The identities of the victims, all reportedly unaffiliated civilians or peaceful demonstrators, have sparked a wave of grief and anger across Bangladesh:
- Deepto Saha (25): A university student and aspiring engineer, known for his community work.
- Ramzan Qazi (18): A first-year college student from Gopalganj.
- Sohel Molla (41): A local shopkeeper and father of three.
- Fourth identity: Yet to be officially confirmed.
Government Imposes Curfew, Deploys Border Guards
Following the violent escalation, Muhammad Yunus government imposed a 22-hour curfew starting at 8 PM, aiming to curb further unrest. More than 200 personnel from the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed to enforce the curfew and prevent retaliatory violence.
“The youth had gathered peacefully to mark the anniversary of their movement. To silence them with bullets is an act of tyranny,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Statement of the Interim Government on the attacks on peaceful NCP rally in Gopalganj
DHAKA, July 16: The use of violence today in Gopalganj is utterly indefensible. Preventing young citizens from peacefully holding a rally to commemorate the one-year anniversary of their…
— Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh (@ChiefAdviserGoB) July 16, 2025
Yunus directly blamed the Awami League and its student wing, saying those responsible for the attacks “must be identified and held fully accountable.”
Rising From the Ashes of the Hasina Government
The backdrop of this violence lies in the dramatic political transformation of Bangladesh in 2024. The Hasina government, which had ruled for over two decades, was brought down by massive student-led protests last year over the controversial 30 percent job quota for freedom fighters’ families, reinstated by the High Court on June 5, 2024.
Following widespread agitation and a near-storming of her residence on August 5, 2024, Sheikh Hasina fled to India, stating, “Allah has kept me alive for a purpose. I will return.”
She also accused Muhammad Yunus of exploiting the poor and manipulating power for personal gain.
Political Fallout and Global Reactions Expected
The attack in Gopalganj has shocked the nation. This could escalate into a broader crackdown on youth-led movements, while international human rights groups are expected to issue statements in the coming days.
The Bangladesh Human Rights Forum (BHRF) condemned the firing, calling for an immediate judicial investigation. “To use live ammunition against peaceful demonstrators is a grave breach of civil liberties,” they said.
Meanwhile, videos from the site show blood-soaked clothes, injured students lying on roads, and military forces standing guard amid shattered glass and burnt vehicles, a chilling reminder of the dark days of political suppression.
