The US-based expatriate organization Ekattorer Prohori Foundation has strongly condemned the brutal attack and massacre of civilians by the army and government-backed forces in Gopalganj, Bangladesh.
In an immediate statement, the foundation claimed that a government-backed, unregistered political party incited violence in the region by announcing a program titled ‘March to Gopalganj’. According to the statement, the party’s leaders threatened to demolish the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, prompting local citizens to rise in resistance.
The statement said, “In order to crush this popular resistance, the government launched a coordinated attack using the army and armed mobs. A ruthless massacre followed through indiscriminate gunfire. Although hospital sources have confirmed the deaths of 15 people, media reports suggest the actual number may be much higher.”Signed by Foundation President Dr. Nurun Nabi and General Secretary Swikriti Barua, the statement further noted, “The Bangladesh Army is a symbol of the glorious victory of 1971.
But the scenes of uniformed soldiers killing civilians in Gopalganj have tarnished the image of the nation in the eyes of the world.
“The foundation stated, “This illegal, occupying government seized power through a planned terror operation and is now leading the country and its people to destruction. The use of military protocol to facilitate the escape of these criminals proves they are part of a state-sponsored mob.
“Ekattorer Prohori Foundation also alleged that the government and its loyal groups have been engaged in killings, rapes, and oppression across the country for the past year.Calling for national unity, the foundation stated, “This murderous regime must be ousted without delay.
As long as this regime remains in power, there can be no democracy, human rights, or peace in Bangladesh.
“The foundation urged all international human rights organizations to be informed of this massacre and requested immediate action.Finally, the foundation made a passionate call to all patriotic expatriate Bangladeshis: “To protect the nation and its people, united protest and resistance must be organized.”
