Seven people from Golapganj in Sylhet were killed during unrest on August 4, 2024, linked to the anti-discrimination student movement’s nationwide non-cooperation programme, the report says. Six were killed amid shootings and clashes involving police and Border Guard Bangladesh personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. Kamrul Islam Pavel, who was seriously wounded in police firing near Kin Bridge in Sylhet’s Kotwali area that day, died on August 5, bringing the Golapganj death toll to seven.

Students and people from different professions had gathered at Dakshin Surma Government College and a multipurpose college despite a nationwide curfew. The report says tensions with a BGB and police patrol escalated into clashes, followed by the use of rubber bullets, spring bullets and live ammunition. It also alleges armed attacks by Awami League and affiliated activists, while further confrontations involved tear gas, sound grenades and gunfire.

Families say justice remains unseen two years later. Pavel’s father, Rafiq Uddin, called for exemplary punishment, while Nazmul Islam’s brother, Chhamid Ahmed, objected to a murder case naming about 300 accused. Sylhet Police Superintendent Chowdhury Md. Jaber Sadeq said the investigation has progressed, but the large number of accused requires time. He said the Police Bureau of Investigation and intelligence agencies are investigating and legal action will follow the inquiry.