4 killed in violent clashes over NCP rally in Gopalganj
NN Online:
Three people were killed and several others injured in violent attacks and clashes surrounding a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally in Gopalganj on Wednesday, according to hospital and family sources.
The dead have been identified as Dipto Saha, 30, Rozman Kazi, 19, Sohel Rana, 35, and Emon, identified with a single name.
Earlier around 7.30pm, Additional Inspector General (Crime) Khandaker Rafiqul Islam said he had confirmed three deaths, but warned the toll could rise.
The violence, which continued for more than four hours from the afternoon, has left many people injured.
Of those, 15 have been admitted to Gopalganj General Hospital, while three in serious condition have been transferred to Dhaka.
Despite multiple attempts, local officials including Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Kamruzzaman, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Md Golam Kabir declined to comment on the incident.
According to Dipto Saha’s uncle, Dipto was on his way to a shop after lunch when he was shot in the abdomen in the Chourangi area. Ramzan Kazi’s father, Kamrul Kazi, tearfully said, “My son did nothing wrong. Where will I find my son now?”
The violence erupted shortly after the NCP held a rally at Poura Park in Gopalganj. Witnesses said a group of 200–300 men—armed with sticks and clubs—stormed the rally area around 1:45 PM, reportedly supporters of the banned Awami League and its affiliated student and youth wings. Police vehicles were reportedly blocked, and on-duty officers were seen fleeing toward the nearby court compound.
NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters that the attackers were Awami League loyalists and alleged that both police and army personnel present did not intervene. “We were told everything was under control,” he said. “But when we arrived, the reality was starkly different.”
The NCP leadership has blamed the Awami League for orchestrating the violence, a claim yet to be addressed by local law enforcement.