At least 20 people were arrested in Gopalganj by Thursday morning in connection with the violent clashes that erupted during the National Citizen Party (NCP)’s ‘July March’ rally.
The unrest, which began on Wednesday afternoon, has left the city reeling with reports of fatalities and injuries, while the government imposed a curfew to restore order.
According to Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Md Sajedur Rahman, no cases were filed yet but legal procedures are being underway against the detainees for their involvement in the attack on the NCP rally, as well as the subsequent arson of a police vehicle and a UNO convoy.
The OC also confirmed that the joint forces handed over the detainees to the police.
As of Thursday, the atmosphere in Gopalganj has returned to a little bit calm, though tensions remain high. “The situation is under control following the curfew’s implementation,” the police official added.
The violence initially flared when followers of the Awami League reportedly carried out an attack on the rally venue at Gopalganj’s municipal park before the NCP event began.
Awami League supporters, chanting “Joy Bangla,” vandalized the venue by setting fire to plastic chairs and detonating crude bombs.
As the rally concluded, a mob of 200-300 people armed with sticks attempted to surround NCP leaders, prompting a standoff with law enforcers.
Clashes soon spread across the city, leading to a deadly confrontation with police.
At least four people were killed, while nine others were injured from gunshots. Approximately fifty people, including several law enforcers, were also reported injured in the violent encounters.
In response to the escalating unrest, the interim government imposed a 22-hour curfew from 8pm on Wednesday until 6 pm on Thursday.
By Thursday morning, the streets of Gopalganj remained largely deserted, with only a handful of battery-powered rickshaws seen on the road.
However, several areas of the city were still obstructed with debris, including bricks, bamboo, and felled trees, which had been used to block roads.
Notably, there were no visible law enforcement checkpoints or patrols in key parts of the city, such as Ghonapara, the LGED intersection, Gopalganj General Hospital, or the Police Lines intersection. However, some village police and municipality staff were stationed near Gopalganj Municipality.
The violence has drawn sharp criticism from NCP leaders, who accuse the Awami League and its banned student wing, the Chhatra League, of carrying out the attacks in a “militant manner” with the intent to cause fatalities.
The NCP further claims that the police failed to take adequate measures to prevent the bloodshed.
As the situation remains tense, authorities continue to monitor developments, while the city waits for the curfew to lift later Thursday.