London, New York, Dhaka
In a dramatic escalation of international concern, the International Crimes Research Foundation (ICRF), a UK-based rights organization, has filed an urgent appeal to the United Nations over what it terms “a grave and unfolding human rights crisis” in Bangladesh. The group alleges extrajudicial killings, destruction of national heritage, and unconstitutional military action in Gopalganj on 16 July 2025.
According to the formal complaint addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the UN Ethical Office, the Bangladesh Army reportedly opened fire on unarmed civilians in Gopalganj, killing at least 21 people. The civilians were said to be resisting the Nationalist Citizens Party (NCP)—a political outfit not registered with the Election Commission—as it attempted to desecrate the grave of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding father.
The ICRF claims that the attack was “state-sponsored” and executed “in support of an unregistered political force,” with the Bangladesh Army allegedly siding with NCP activists rather than protecting civilians. The appeal also highlights the destruction of ‘House 32’ in Dhanmondi—a heritage site and museum where Bangabandhu declared Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971—reportedly demolished over 48 hours without military intervention.
“Bangladesh’s journey to independence was marked by great sacrifice. The memory of our founding father and the symbols of our liberation must be protected, not erased for political gain,” the letter reads.
In an especially disturbing allegation, the document details that one civilian was arrested, tortured with army boots, and killed in custody—amounting to a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
The complaint also cites a broken promise by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, who publicly stated on 3 August 2024 that the army would never again fire on its own people. Yet, the events in Gopalganj appear to directly contradict this pledge.
The ICRF has demanded the following:
An independent international investigation into the use of lethal force.
Accountability under international law for human rights abuses.
Investigation into the destruction of protected heritage sites.
Deployment of a UN fact-finding mission or human rights observers.
Protection of cultural heritage and peaceful protest rights.
The document also raises suspicions about the role of interim national figure Dr. Muhammad Yunus, urging an investigation into his alleged involvement.
Timeline of Violence:
Between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM on 16 July, the Gopalganj district turned into what some are calling a battlefield. Video footage cited in the document shows armored military vehicles opening fire, police requesting grenades, and civilians—including journalists—being chased, shot at, and killed. Reports confirmed the deaths of at least four individuals, with many more injured.
The violence has drawn strong domestic reactions as well, with Jamaat-e-Islami announcing countrywide protests, and the NCP declaring a national day of protest on 17 July.
The ICRF concludes by warning the UN that “silence from the international community will only embolden further violations.” It urges swift and principled action to restore peace and accountability in Bangladesh.
