A political rally organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj turned violent on Wednesday when the party’s convoy was ambushed while leaving the venue, plunging the district town into chaos.
The incident occurred around 2:45 PM as NCP leaders and activists were departing from a rally held at the Municipal Park. According to eyewitnesses and party sources, the convoy was attacked by unidentified assailants alleged to be linked with banned groups, including the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League.
Earlier in the day, tensions escalated when the NCP rally stage was vandalized around 1:35 PM. Sound equipment, microphones, and chairs were destroyed, and several NCP activists came under attack. Despite this disruption, the party’s central leadership, led by convener Nahid Islam, arrived promptly to address the crowd and continue the scheduled program.
Speeches were delivered by prominent leaders including Sarjis Alam, NCP’s northern chief organiser, and Hasnat Abdullah, the southern chief organiser, whose energetic slogans stirred the gathering. Other key figures such as Senior Joint Convener Samantha Sharmin, Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, and Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Zara also took part in rallying the supporters.
Following the rally’s conclusion, the convoy was met with sudden aggression on its way out. Police and army personnel intervened by firing warning shots to disperse the attackers, and clashes ensued. Several police and army vehicles reportedly came under attack during the turmoil.
Law enforcement agencies have launched operations to apprehend those responsible and restore calm in the area. No official casualty figures have been released yet.
This latest episode underscores the growing political volatility in Gopalganj, reflecting deepening tensions between the NCP and rival factions. The involvement of banned political groups has raised serious concerns about public safety during political events. Authorities have vowed to intensify security measures ahead of future rallies to prevent further violence.
As the situation remains tense, all eyes are on the government and law enforcement to ensure peace and stability in the district.
Earlier in the day, around 9:00 AM, a police patrol van was firebombed near Khatiyagarh Charpara in Durgapur Union. Masked attackers hurled stones and crude incendiary devices at the vehicle, injuring at least three officers, including Constable Ahmed Biswas.
A second incident occurred around 11:30 AM, when the motorcade of Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Rakibul Hasan was ambushed in Kansur. Attackers felled trees to block the road before launching bricks and explosives. The UNO’s driver, Mohammad Hamim, was injured in the ambush.
By afternoon, Gopalganj had effectively turned into a battlefield. Attackers barricaded several roads, cutting off movement and trapping NCP supporters in different parts of the district. Shops and restaurants remained closed, while police and army units enforced heightened security across the city.
“This was a direct attempt to silence dissent,” said Sarzis Alam, NCP’s organising secretary. “We informed the administration about our programme, yet no meaningful protection was given.”
The violence comes amid NCP’s ongoing “Desh Goritey July Podojatra” (March for Nation-Building in July), a countrywide mobilisation campaign. Wednesday’s rally held special symbolic significance, as Gopalganj is not only the political bastion of the ousted Awami League but also home to the mausoleum of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The incidents have fueled fears of renewed political confrontation, with growing concerns about the use of force to suppress opposition activity in politically sensitive regions.