NN Online:
Authorities have imposed Section 144 in Gopalganj following violent clashes surrounding a rally organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday, July 16. Four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed alongside army and police units to restore order in the city.
The unrest began when NCP’s rally at Municipal Park was attacked around 1:35 PM by alleged activists of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League. The attackers vandalized the stage, destroyed sound equipment, and later set it ablaze. Despite the assault, NCP leaders held a brief rally before attempting to leave the city.
As their convoy passed the Launch Ghat area near Gopalganj Government College around 2:30 PM, it came under heavy attack with brickbats and crude bombs. The situation quickly escalated into widespread street violence, with police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) forces struggling to maintain control. Tear gas, rubber bullets, and blank fire were used, but the attackers forced law enforcement to retreat at several points.
An army patrol team was also targeted, prompting further blank firing. The NCP convoy was eventually diverted to the Circuit House for safety. Key leaders, including convener Nahid Islam, member secretary Akhtar Hossain, and organizers Sarjis Alam and Hasnat Abdullah, remain blockaded inside the premises.
Earlier in the morning, a police vehicle was torched in Ulpur, injuring three officers—an incident linked to attempts to sabotage the NCP’s “July March to Build the Nation” programme.
Speaking from confinement, NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari accused the administration of inaction, while social media posts from leaders like Sarjis Alam underscored rising tensions. “If I survive, I’ll build a grave for Mujibism,” Sarjis wrote, signaling deep political hostility.
Shops remain closed, traffic halted, and intermittent clashes continue across Gopalganj. The violence reflects growing political polarization, with the NCP—formed during the 2024 uprising that overthrew the Awami League—now a key target of resistance from the old regime’s supporters.
Authorities remain under pressure to defuse the crisis and ensure safety for the NCP leaders trapped inside Gopalganj Circuit House.
