At least four people killed and several people injured in violent clashes between law enforcement and Awami League (AL) supporters in Gopalganj, Bangladesh on Wednesday. The violent clash took place, following escalating tensions over a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally.
The unrest erupted after a pre-scheduled NCP rally at Poura Park in Gopalganj town was forcefully opposed by Awami League activists, despite an official government ban on all political activities by the AL.
Bangladesh Violence Breaks Out as AL Protesters Target NCP Event
Clashes began early in the day when hundreds of AL activists blocked the Gopalganj-Tekerhat road in the Ulpur area by felling trees. Protesters also set fire to a government vehicle and vandalized another before storming the rally venue.
The situation worsened after NCP leaders departed from the rally. According to reports, they were attacked near Chowrangi, leading to violent confrontations in various parts of the district. Eyewitnesses reported seeing police open fire on demonstrators in some areas.
One local grocer in Chowrangi said he saw two men collapse after being shot by security personnel. One of the victims, Dipto, was reportedly on his way to his shop when he was shot in the abdomen.
Gopalganj, Bangladesh Curfew Imposed, Exams Postponed Amid Chaos
In an effort to restore law and order, the Bangladesh government imposed a curfew from 8:00 PM Wednesday to 6:00 PM Thursday across Gopalganj. In addition, the ongoing HSC, Alim, and HSC (Vocational) examinations were suspended, as confirmed by official notices from education boards issued around 10:30 PM.
NCP Blames AL for Coordinated Attack
At a press briefing in Khulna, NCP Convener Nahid Islam alleged that their convoy was attacked by armed Awami League goons while en route to Madaripur following the rally.
“After concluding our rally in Gopalganj, we were heading towards Madaripur when armed goons of the Awami League attacked our motorcade,” he said.
“Despite the violence, we will move forward with our rally in Faridpur today,” he added.
Before the rally commenced, 200-300 armed individuals reportedly stormed the venue, tore down banners, and detonated crude bombs, causing police officers to temporarily retreat. NCP leaders, including Nahid Islam and Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, later returned with police backup and helped push back the attackers.
Condemnation from Government and Opposition
The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing released a strong statement, calling the attack on the NCP rally “utterly indefensible” and promising that those responsible would face consequences.
Several political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, also condemned the violence, urging the government to uphold democratic rights and ensure public safety.
