Less than a year after the mass uprising, the streets stained red again. On July 16, police shot dead Abu Sayed in Rangpur. That same day, Awami League and its allies launched a deadly attack on NCP leaders during their planned “March to Gopalganj.” Several central leaders remained trapped amid the violence.

Organized and premeditated attacks by Awami League activists proved that instead of learning from history, they are repeating fascist tactics.

Political analysts say that although the Awami League was officially banned, they were simply waiting for the right moment. Their repeated attacks on the NCP's program show no remorse for 15 years of fascism, disappearances, and killings. Instead, the Gopalganj violence and threats against pro-uprising forces reveal a deep urge for revenge and a readiness to strike back.

Questions have risen, on how a banned party carried out such widespread violence. Why did the administration failed to secure the pre-announced event? Why intelligence had no prior warning? Was NCP properly prepared? Why is bloodshed repeating after the fall of fascism? Observers condemn all extrajudicial killings and hold the government responsible for the incident.

Before NCP leaders entered Gopalganj, Awami League activists set fire to police vehicles and attacked the UNO’s car. Later, chanting "Joy Bangla," they and allied groups stormed the NCP rally at Municipal Park, hurling crude bombs and vandalizing the stage and chairs.

Amid the chaos, NCP leaders briefly addressed the crowd but were attacked again by Chhatra League and Jubo League on their way out. Vehicles were vandalised, and clashes broke out with the members of the law enforcement agencies. Following the incident, Gopalganj turned into a battlefield. Later, NCP leaders took shelter in the SP’s office. Section 144 was imposed, the army deployed, and the leaders evacuated in an APC. Four BGB platoons joined to restore order.

From noon to evening, at least four people were reported dead in clashes between law enforcement and Awami League supporters. The interim government has formed an investigative committee to probe the incident.

Following the incident, NCP activists launched blockades in various parts of the country. Later, NCP Convener Nahid Islam called off the blockades. Upon reaching Khulna at night, NCP leaders held a press conference and called for a nationwide protest on Thursday (July 17). Nahid Islam issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to arrest the attackers.

Many now question if Gopalganj truly belongs to Bangladesh. Known as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birthplace, the region has enjoyed special privileges for over 15 years, dominating many sectors. The Awami League’s fall caused resentment, but the recent violence shows a strong pro-Awami presence remains. 

When slogans like "Mujibbad Murdabad" rang out, the response was not just political but vengeful. The administration’s passivity and the interim government’s failure to act—despite prior social media threats—have faced sharp criticism.

Following the attack, several political parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Gono Odhikar Parishad issued strong condemnations. Some parties also held instant protest marches. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir saidd, "Awami collaborators have launched a death blow. They want to create chaos again and gain advantage."

Jamaat's Secretary General Mia Ghulam Parwar said, "Gopalganj is not outside Bangladesh. Both the administrative indifference and Awami terrorist attack are signs of state failure." Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur commented, "There can be no compromise with fascism."

However, some have also raised the issue of political responsibility and realism. Saiful Haque of the Revolutionary Workers Party said that NCP leaders should have been more restrained in their rhetoric in Gopalganj, considering the region’s sensitivities.

Some say that since losing power, the Awami League has been searching for ways to re-enter politics under various disguises. Through narratives like "There is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina," "The interim government has made the country unstable," and "The uprising has made the nation directionless," they had been preparing for a return to the streets.

Dispute among Pro-Uprising Forces benefitting fascists

Political analysts believe that internal disputes among pro-uprising political groups are creating opportunities for fascist forces. Over the past year, rifts have grown between BNP, Jamaat, and NCP over electoral issues and the recent Mitford murder case. This has benefited the fascist groups that the people had shed blood to defeat.

The Awami League knows very well that any disunity among the pro-uprising camp will make their comeback easier. The Gopalganj attack is seen by many as a rehearsal of their return.

BNP had long warned against any actions that could enable the return of fascism. Since August 5, BNP’s acting chairman and senior leaders have urged internal unity and coordination with other political parties. Last November, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, "Unfortunately, we are doing things that are increasing the chances of fascism returning. It's time for us to move forward together."

Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman repeatedly urged party members to stay united and not to lose public trust. "We must face every conspiracy together. The people’s confidence must be earned through unity," he said.

Given the worsening law and order situation, continuing killings and violence, the role of the administration is now under scrutiny. From capital to rural areas, public safety is absent. The effectiveness of the interim government is being questioned.

Experts believe that a government must play a neutral and effective role in preserving stability before elections. However, the current interim government has failed to demonstrate such capability. Failure to control crime, police indifference, and rising political conflict are causing public anxiety.

Bloodshed Must Not Delay Election

Journalist, teacher, and columnist Anis Alamgir warned: "This bloody incident must not become an excuse to delay the upcoming election. The nation wants a credible government formed through a fair election, regardless of the party."

To the NCP, he added, "Sustainable politics cannot be built under government patronage. If politics becomes a means of revenge, peace will never be achieved. Politics must be the highest form of tolerance."

Attacks on Political Programs Are Condemnable

Political analyst Mahiuddin Ahmed said that everyone has the right to conduct political programs anywhere. "The attack is condemnable. I hear four people have died. Politics will now be centered around this."

He referred to last year’s killing of Abu Saeed on July 16 and said, "Another incident happened on the same date. I suspect there may be third-party provocation here."

He questioned the role of law enforcement, stating, "Law enforcement is not as effective as before." Expressing concern about the election, he added, "I fear more incidents may occur before the election."

Political observers believe that distrust and division among the forces behind the mass uprising have allowed fascist Awami politics to resurface. The deeper the division, the easier the path back for these fallen fascists. But it must not be forgotten that students and ordinary citizens sacrificed their lives to overthrow an undemocratic regime. That sacrifice must not be wasted.

Analysts call for a united stance by all democratic and pro-uprising forces. They emphasize that unity, not division, is the way forward. The Gopalganj incident should be a warning: fascism must not return, no more blood should be shed, and no more battlefields should be created.

MSK/