This government’s days are numbered. But even in this short time, the interim administration -plagued by the Gopalganj syndrome -has stained its supposed goodwill with disgrace. Even a criminal has human rights. But the unfortunate people of Gopalganj seem to have none at all.
Invoking the name of the banned Chhatra League, an atmosphere of sheer terror has been unleashed upon the entire population of Gopalganj. As citizens of Bangladesh, they do not deserve this. Nothing but the NCP’s ego has been bruised -there hasn’t even been a scratch on their bodies. In contrast, five people from Gopalganj have lost their lives, and over a hundred have been injured and are enduring pain. On top of that, ordinary citizens are being prevented from leaving their homes. HSC examinations for students have been suspended. Some armchair anarchists are now advising the government to cut off water and electricity supplies to Gopalganj. Why should this not be deemed an act of ethnic hatred? Are children to be punished simply for being born in Gopalganj? Why should a father be prevented from going to the market to buy emergency supplies like milk for his baby?
International norms dictate that post-mortem examinations are essential in cases of unnatural death. Yet the government buried the gunshot victims without autopsies, and now says the bodies may be exhumed if necessary! O State, how many times will you kill the same family?
You accept that Sheikh Mujib led the Liberation War. But you question his rule? He answered those questions with his own life -along with the lives of his family members. How many times must one man be tried for the same offence? Will wiping out a man’s grave erase the history of Mujib’s role in Bangladesh’s independence?
This country faces crises far greater than Gopalganj. In that context, Gopalganj is not the real issue here. Justice for July Martyr Abu Sayeed’s murder is still pending. Many of the wounded from the July movement are still living in distress. The safety of life and property across the nation remains insecure.
Yesterday, when the NCP visited Cox's Bazar and labeled BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed as a godfather and extortionist, BNP activists and locals reacted angrily and drove them out. Similarly, in Gopalganj, after NCP chanted slogans like "Down with Mujibism," made provocative remarks about Bangabandhu’s grave, and passed derogatory comments about the district, members of the Awami League and locals responded with outrage.
In both cases, National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders had to leave the area under army protection. But the difference lies in the aftermath -no curfew or major crackdown was imposed in Cox’s Bazar, whereas in Gopalganj, a curfew remains in place, accompanied by mass arrests and thousands of cases filed against residents.
This disparity raises questions: Is the state acting with partisan bias driven by political emotion? Should the entire district of Gopalganj be treated as anti-state just because it is the birthplace of Bangabandhu? Can an unrestrained state reaction push democracy into a more fragile and dangerous path?
In essence, it is the state’s double standards and lack of balance in political responses that seem to hinder its ability to act equitably, justly, and democratically for all citizens. During the July mass movement, didn’t we seek an end to this very inequality? But where is that change now?
In such a reality, is the Gopalganj issue being deliberately inflated to divert attention from other, far more urgent national concerns?
Author: Journalist
July 20, 2025
57
View