Gopalganj clash: Victims buried without autopsy, no case filed yet

Four people killed in Wednesday's violent clashes in Gopalganj were buried or cremated without postmortem examinations, while no case had been filed as of last night, police confirmed.

The incident occurred during the National Citizens Party's "March to Gopalganj" programme, which saw widespread violence, including arson, vandalism, and crude bomb explosions across the city.

According to eyewitnesses, activists of the now-banned Awami League and its student wing Chhatra League were allegedly involved in the attacks. At least four people were killed, over 50 injured, and several sustained gunshot wounds. Authorities imposed a curfew immediately after the clashes.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG-Dhaka Range) Rezaul Karim Mallick told reporters that 25 individuals had been detained and handed over to Gopalganj Police Station by joint forces around 3:00am.

"Preparations are underway to file a case," he said, adding that the situation in the city had since stabilised.

Gopalganj Civil Surgeon Abu Sayeed Mohammad Faruq said nine injured individuals were admitted to hospital, three of whom were later transferred to Dhaka in critical condition.

Local residents reported spending the night in fear and uncertainty. While the city remained tense on Thursday morning, conditions began to ease by afternoon. City Corporation workers were seen clearing debris, and some shops reopened.

Due to the curfew, local bus services were suspended, though long-distance buses to Dhaka continued operating.

Despite the fatalities, none of the victims underwent autopsy or had inquest reports prepared, hospital and police sources confirmed. The deceased were identified as garment trader Dipto Saha, tile worker Ramzan Kazi, mobile phone seller Sohel Rana, and crockery shop employee Imon Talukder.

Dipto was cremated at the municipal crematorium Wednesday night, while Ramzan was buried after Esha prayers. Sohel and Imon were laid to rest Thursday morning at the municipal graveyard.

Gopalganj General Hospital Superintendent Jibitesh Biswas confirmed that the bodies were brought to the hospital but no postmortem was conducted. DIG Mallick also verified this.

Gopalganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mir Md Sajedur Rahman told The Daily Star that the four were killed during clashes between law enforcement and attackers, and three were buried while one was cremated without autopsy.

A senior district police official, requesting anonymity, said no inquest reports were prepared and no death certificates were issued by the hospital.

According to a law enforcement report shared by the chief adviser's press wing, around 7:30pm on Wednesday, an unruly crowd forcibly removed the bodies from the hospital, preventing postmortem procedures.

At a press briefing at the Deputy Commissioner's Office last evening, Dhaka Divisional Commissioner Sharaf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said the incident was "unexpected" and that authorities were reviewing the situation. He announced an extension of the curfew until 2:00pm today, subject to further review.

Asked whether the attack was premeditated, he said, "It wasn't planned, but we were adequately prepared."

He added that some miscreants from outside the district were believed to be present in Gopalganj and efforts were underway to identify them.

DIG Mallick said at least 10 law enforcement personnel were injured in the clashes.

Responding to questions about police failure, he said, "It cannot be called a failure, but if there was any negligence, we will investigate."