GOPALGANJ, July 18 (V7N) – Four young men, all civilians with no political affiliations, were shot dead during violent clashes in Gopalganj last Wednesday, following a confrontation between law enforcement and Awami League supporters amid a protest organized by the National Citizen’s Platform (NCP). Despite the fatalities, no formal investigations or legal procedures—including autopsies or case filings—had been initiated by police until Thursday night.
 
According to family members and acquaintances, the victims were returning home from work or had been out in the city when the violence erupted. They were identified as Romzan Kazi, a tile worker’s assistant; Imon Talukder, a crockery shop employee; Dipto Saha, a garment store owner; and Sohel Rana, a mobile phone businessmen.
 
Local residents claim the victims had no involvement in political activities. However, the volatile environment on the day of the protest—marked by arson and attacks on government vehicles—escalated rapidly as clashes broke out between members of the Awami League and its student wing and NCP supporters. The situation spiraled into chaos, turning the city into what witnesses described as a "battleground."
 
Victims Denied Legal Protocols
None of the four deceased received postmortem examinations, and no official inquest reports were filed. The bodies were taken from the hospital by grieving family members shortly after they were declared dead. Gopalganj General Hospital officials confirmed that police did not request postmortems or take part in standard procedures. Hospital authorities stated that family members were distraught and unwilling to delay burial or cremation.
 
DIG Rezaul Karim Mallik of Dhaka Range later assured at a press conference that legal processes, including postmortem examinations and formal investigations, would be conducted.
 
Case Profiles: Lives Cut Short
 
Romzan Kazi (17)
The eldest son of a van-puller and a domestic worker, Romzan had recently started working as a tile assistant to support his family. He hoped to eventually go abroad to secure a better future. On the day of the incident, his employer let him leave early due to unrest in the city. While returning home through the Alia Madrasa area, he was caught in a confrontation and shot. His body, still covered in construction dust, was later taken to the hospital and then to the police station, which was found locked. With no way to proceed legally, his family buried him that night.
 
Imon Talukder (17)
A second child in a five-sibling family, Imon worked in a crockery store in the city’s Monohorpotti area. He left home early Wednesday morning but did not report to work. Video footage surfaced showing him being assaulted while pleading for mercy. He was found dead at the hospital with gunshot wounds. His shop owner and relatives affirmed he was not politically active.
 
Dipto Saha (25)
Co-owner of Chondromukhi Garments in central Gopalganj, Dipto was returning home when he was shot near a pharmacy. The bullet passed through his abdomen. According to his brother, Dipto had warned a nearby journalist to seek cover just before being hit. His family maintains that neither he nor his brother had political ties.
 
Sohel Rana (30)
A respected mobile phone dealer and father of two, Sohel left home to check on the situation in the city, concerned by the sudden shutdown of local shops. He was shot multiple times—in both legs and his ribs—at close range. Family members say he was religious and known for his calm demeanor. Despite being the nephew of a BNP supporter, Sohel had no involvement in politics.
 
18 Others Injured
Eighteen additional people were treated for injuries at Gopalganj General Hospital, none of which were life-threatening. They were discharged after receiving medical care.
 
END/APR/SMA/