The curfew imposed in Gopalganj after Wednesday’s violent clashes will remain in effect until 6:00 AM Saturday, according to an announcement made by Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Kamruzzaman on Friday.
Authorities stated that future decisions regarding the curfew will be made in consultation with law enforcement agencies, based on how the situation develops in the coming hours.
As of now, at least 45 individuals have been arrested in connection with Wednesday’s clashes. Law enforcement has indicated that additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Nearly half a thousand people have been accused in a case filed under Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) rally in Gopalganj Sadar on 16 July.
The case, filed on Thursday night, names 75 individuals, including Newton Molla, president of the banned district unit of Chhatra League, and Ataur Pial, its general secretary, as the primary accused. In addition, around 450 unidentified persons have been listed in the case.
The accused persons face charges of arson, vandalism, assault on law enforcement, and creating terror during the political unrest.
The violence broke out when supporters of the Awami League and its proscribed student front reportedly attacked the NCP procession. A police vehicle was torched, and several officers were physically assaulted during the clashes.
Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mir Mohammad Sajedur Rahman confirmed the filing of the case and said police Inspector Ahmed Ali filed the case with the police station on Thursday (July 17) midnight.
He said the investigation is ongoing.