National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is set to hold a major rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday, 16 July, marking one year since the launch of the July movement, as part of its ongoing nationwide campaign titled “Desh Goritey July Podojatra” (March for Nation-Building in July).
Gopalganj, historically seen as the heartland of the now-banned Awami League and home to the mausoleum of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, carries strong symbolic significance for the NCP’s campaign. The day-long programme will take place near the Gopalganj Pouro Park, with the central event scheduled to begin in afternoon.
Masked attackers torch police van in Gopalganj, injuring five officers
A group of masked assailants set fire to a police pickup van in Gopalganj on Wednesday morning, leaving five officers injured. Police are yet to detain anyone in connection with the attack, and the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown.
Local sources said the attack occurred while security forces were deployed to manage the situation ahead of the NCP event. Although the exact number of attackers remains unconfirmed, eyewitnesses allege that the perpetrators were affiliated with the outlawed Chhatra League.
Law enforcers have yet to make any official statement on the incident, but additional forces have reportedly been deployed in and around Gopalganj town to prevent further unrest.
Law enforcement agencies have taken strict security measures to ensure a peaceful event. Police have set up multiple checkpoints and deployed additional personnel across entry points to Gopalganj town. All nearby shops and restaurants have been asked to remain closed temporarily to prevent any untoward incidents around the rally venue.
The incident occurred around 9am in the Khatiyaghar area of Durgapur Union under Gopalganj Sadar upazila—coinciding with the scheduled visit of central leaders of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) as part of its ongoing July Procession.
Tension had already been running high across Gopalganj due to the NCP’s planned rally in the district, long regarded as a symbolic stronghold of the now-deposed Awami League.
According to police and local residents, a routine patrol unit was in the area when 40 to 50 attackers suddenly launched an assault on the vehicle. The assailants then set it ablaze, injuring five officers inside.
Witnesses said the attackers also attempted to snatch weapons from the police before another patrol unit arrived, prompting them to flee. The injured were later rescued and sent to hospital for treatment.
Gopalganj Additional Superintendent of Police Ruhul Amin told reporters, “We have visited the scene and are actively investigating the incident. No arrests have been made so far, but efforts are underway to bring the attackers to justice.”
Police and other law enforcement bodies are reportedly taking all possible steps to beef up security and avoid any disruption. Special units, including plainclothes intelligence officers and bomb disposal squads, are on alert. Surveillance has also been increased through the use of CCTV and drone monitoring around the rally zone.
Gopalganj is also home to the mausoleum of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, making the area a politically charged location amid ongoing opposition movements.
The NCP launched its “July Procession” on 1 July to engage with citizens on the anniversary of last year’s popular uprising. Over the past two weeks, rallies and gatherings have been organised across multiple districts under three administrative divisions.
Besides the Gopalganj programme, central NCP leaders will also attend another procession in Shariatpur on Wednesday. A rally will be held at Angaria Bazar in Sadar upazila at 5:30pm, followed by a discussion at the Shariatpur municipal auditorium at 6pm. The day’s activities will conclude with a street rally at Naodoba roundabout, near the Padma Bridge toll plaza.