A police vehicle was vandalized and set ablaze in Gopalganj Sadar on Wednesday amid tensions surrounding the month-long central programme of the National Citizens Party (NCP), known as the “March to Gopalganj.” The incident, which took place in the Ulpur area, left three police officers injured.
According to Superintendent of Police of Gopalganj Md. Mizanur Rahman, the injured officers are Inspector (IC) Ahmed Biswas of the Gopinathpur Police Outpost, and constables Kawser and Minhaj. All three have been admitted to the Gopalganj 250-Bed General Hospital for treatment.
Local sources and police reports indicate that the unrest began when activists from the banned organization Chhatra League allegedly gathered in the area to confront the NCP’s planned march. The group reportedly launched an attack on a police patrol team, resulting in the destruction of the police vehicle, which was later set on fire.
Law enforcement reinforcements, including members of a joint task force, quickly arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control.
SP Mizanur Rahman stated, “We are still investigating to identify the individuals responsible for the attack. Three of our officers have been injured, and one police vehicle was set ablaze. The injured officers are receiving treatment at the hospital.”
An investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Meanwhile, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) is set to hold a major rally in Gopalganj later on the day, 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).
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.
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.
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.