It was the 16th of July 2025, when news made headlines about a violent clash in Gopalganj city of Bangladesh. It is the native city and stronghold of the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and her late father, former Prime Minister Mujib-ur-Rehman. Therefore, the Awami League has a significant presence in the area.
The violence started when supporters of the Awami League attacked a procession of the National Citizen Party (NCP). It was part of a long rally started for the celebration of the so-called July Revolution 2024. Last year, in July 2024, the protest and resistance of students led by the movement toppled the government of Sheikh Hasina Wajid. The Awami League and its leaders had to go into exile. After the takeover of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Younas, hopes for peace revived, but then many incidents of violence occurred in the previous year. What this situation now holds for the political situation, the Awami League, and the future of democracy in Bangladesh is a big question mark. The National Citizen Party (NCP) has been accused of provoking tensions.
Moving forward, the procession led by activists of the National Citizen party was claimed to be peaceful. The students and members of the party were only celebrating the success of the July Revolution of 2024. But it is also obvious that the National Citizen Party (NCP) and its leaders were aware of the importance of Gopal Ganj for the Awami League and its supporters. Then why did they choose this city?
On one hand, it can be considered as a provocation on the part of the National Citizen Party (NCP). It was the rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) which led to violent clashes. This also shows political dissent in the country. On the other hand, it is safe to say that it is the political right of the National Citizens Party (NCP) to hold rallies and processions, but Gopalganj is a stronghold of the Awami League, so this rally and clashes are a manifestation of widely present political disagreement in the country.
Investigations and curfew
Besides, after the clashes, the government enforced a curfew in the area. The clashes and their aftermath led to panic and stress in the city. The government has declared that it will carry out investigations into the Gopalganj clashes. But whether those investigations would be free and impartial is another cause of concern. Human rights organisations like HRFB have already demanded fair investigations from the government. These institutions have claimed that the state has denied responsibility for using brutal force. Post-mortem is a specific case that is also denied to a family. But the government rejects these claims, stating that impartial investigations would be conducted. Thus, investigations in this case will help to clear many clouds.
Home presence of the party in exile
Moreover, the presence of the Awami League in Gopalganj cannot be ignored. But Awami League’s influence is not limited only to this city. It still has a good presence in Bangladesh. Thousands of people follow it. It is because this party has ruled for decades in the country. It cannot be eliminated abruptly. Although the party leaders are in exile, thousands of followers of the Awami League are present in the country. Hence, the government and other political parties should acknowledge the fact that the Awami League is still present in the hearts and minds of a favourable number of Bangladeshis.
Current state of democracy
Likewise, these bloody conflicts are not encouraging for the nation’s democracy. Bangladesh has already lost 25 spots in the Global democracy Index of 2024. Now it ranks 100 out of 167 countries. The use of force by law enforcement agencies, which resulted in the deaths of around five people, is also harmful to democracy. The force also caused dozens of injuries. This all shows severe human rights violations in a democratic country. The state was unable to control the situation without the use of force. The National Citizen Party (NCP) activists have also stated that the state was unable to provide them with the required safety and support. The state denies using lethal weapons, but admits to using force in this era of social media.
There are also instances of suppression of minorities by the current interim government in the previous year. Thus, all these events show the derailing of democracy and human rights violations on the part of the government.
Suggestions
How can we resolve these issues? Adopting prudent measures can lessen the severity. They include the acceptance of responsibility on the part of all political parties. There should be a consensus among all the stakeholders and key leaders on major issues. Additionally, the interim government should provide for the safety of the citizens. Furthermore, free and fair elections must be conducted promptly. Resultantly, all these measures would help the country to grow and witness a strong democracy.
Conclusion
In summary, the recent violent clashes in Gopalganj underscore numerous factors. These factors include the prevailing political disagreements in the country, the widespread presence of political parties whose leaders have recently been exiled, and the deteriorating state of democracy and human rights. But there is always hope present in such circumstances. Bangladesh is no exception to it. The stakeholders should follow wise measures like taking responsibility, creating consensus, and conducting free and fair elections. All these steps can lead the country in the right direction.