The curfew and Section 144 imposed in Gopalganj following violent clashes during the National Citizen Party (NCP) rally have been withdrawn, though law enforcement operations against perpetrators will continue, according to district administration officials.
In an official notice issued by the District Magistrate’s media cell on Sunday evening, authorities announced the restrictions would not be extended beyond 8pm that day. District Administrator Muhammad Kamruzzaman confirmed the withdrawal, stating the overall situation was being reviewed for further decisions.
The unrest began on July 16 when activists from the banned student wing and Awami League allegedly attacked NCP members, triggering clashes with law enforcement. Authorities initially imposed Section 144 that afternoon, followed by a curfew from 8pm Thursday to 6pm Friday, with subsequent extensions through Sunday morning.
Despite the lifted restrictions, an uneasy calm persists across the district. Most shops remained closed Sunday, with minimal public movement and suspended transport services.
Police sources confirm four cases have been filed across sadar, Kotalipara, and Kashiani stations regarding obstruction, vandalism, and arson against law enforcement, naming over 3,000 accused. Separate murder cases for four of Wednesday’s five fatalities each list 1,500 unidentified suspects, totaling 6,000 accused. Security forces have arrested 321 individuals allegedly involved in the violence.