Gopalganj experienced attacks, clashes, vandalism, and arson on Wednesday, centering on the National Citizens` Party (NCP)`s announced `July March` program.
Due to the repeated clashes throughout the day, the government imposed a 22-hour curfew in the evening, effective from 8 PM Wednesday until 6 PM Thursday.
During this curfew, joint forces reportedly conducted an operation on Wednesday night, arresting 14 individuals. They have been handed over to Gopalganj Sadar Police Station.
As of Thursday morning, no case has yet been filed regarding the Gopalganj incidents, according to Mir Md. Sajedur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station.
Meanwhile, a tense atmosphere prevails across the district under the ongoing curfew. Rickshaws were operating on a limited basis from Wednesday night, but no other vehicles were seen on the roads. Businesses remained closed, and people only ventured out for essential needs.
A visit to various areas on Thursday morning revealed virtually no public movement on roads, in markets, or around bazaars. Business establishments were shut. A large number of law enforcement personnel were deployed in front of the district jail.
It is reported that Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists carried out the attacks in Gopalganj on Wednesday, coinciding with the NCP`s declared `July March`. The incident resulted in four deaths and over fifty injuries, including at least nine individuals with gunshot wounds.
The deceased in the day-long bloody clashes in Gopalganj have been identified as Dipro Saha (25), a Juba League member and son of Santosh Saha from Udayan Road in the district town; Ramzan Kazi (24), son of Kamrul Kazi from Thanapara in the town; Emon Talukder (18), son of Azad Talukder from Arpara area of Sadar Upazila; and Sohel Mollah, son of Idris Mollah from Tungipara Upazila.
After a rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday, Awami League and banned Chhatra League activists reportedly attacked the convoy of the National Citizens` Party (NCP) leaders. This led to day-long clashes between the attackers and the police, turning the entire city into a battlefield.
By 5 PM, NCP leaders departed Gopalganj with the assistance of the Army, Police, RAB, and BGB. A video circulating on social media showed NCP leaders Akhtar Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Sarjish Alam entering an Army Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). The central NCP leaders then reached Khulna city around 7 PM with their convoy, settling into the Khulna Circuit House and a hotel.
Gopalganj District Commissioner Muhammad Kamruzzaman stated that a curfew was imposed from 8 PM Wednesday until 6 PM Thursday, and the situation is currently under the control of law enforcement agencies.
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