GCDG Condemns Gopalganj Massacre and Calls for International Accountability

The Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG) unequivocally condemns the brutal crackdown on civilians in Gopalganj, Bangladesh. This violence culminated on July 16, 2025, when military and police forces opened fire with live ammunition, killing four civilians on the spot: Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), Emon Sheikh (24), and Sohel Molla (41). A fifth person, Ramzan Munshi (32), later died from injuries sustained during the same incident.

These killings were preceded by a campaign of terror launched days earlier under the pretext of securing the area for a rally by the pro-government National Citizen Party (NCP). The violence involved widespread arrests, torture, and live-fire assault on unarmed civilians. Over 500 people were arrested, and hundreds were injured, many critically. Victims were denied access to medical treatment, and families were barred from funeral rites, post-mortems, and the issuance of death certificates.

Gravely disturbing is the arrest and detention of 18 children, including a child member of a family who simply went out to purchase milk, who remain in custody, subjected to degrading treatment. These actions amount to grave breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the ICCPR.

The GCDG also expresses serious concern over the loss of the Bangladesh Army’s non-partisan status, as it appears to have acted in coordination with police and administrative forces to target civilians. This militarized suppression follows threats involving the demolition of the mausoleum of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and further escalated community unrest.

GCDG calls on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Special Procedures Mandate Holders, democratic governments, and global civil society to:

• Urgently investigate the Gopalganj massacre
• Secure the immediate release of detained children and civilians
• Hold accountable those responsible for extrajudicial killings and torture
• Issue emergency communications to halt ongoing violations”The Gopalganj massacre is a crime against humanity. We demand justice for every child, every tortured soul.”

  We remain committed to pursuing justice through every available international mechanism. For media inquiries or detailed reports, contact: contact@globalcdg.org