Gopalganj turns violent

Banned AL men attack NCP rally

Government vows swift justice
Abu Jakir :

At least four people were killed and several others critically injured on Wednesday after a peaceful rally by the Nationalist Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj descended into violence. The area, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s home district and a historical Bangladesh Awami League (AL) stronghold, became the site of intense clashes allegedly involving Awami League loyalists and activists from its banned student wing, Chhatra League.

The rally was part of the NCP’s countrywide “March for Nation Building” campaign, commemorating the July Uprising that ousted the Awami League government in 2024. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos shortly after the rally concluded at Gopalganj’s Municipal Park.

“They surrounded us with sticks and iron rods-it turned into a war zone,” said Rubel, a local NCP activist.

Gopalganj General Hospital confirmed receiving four deceased individuals with visible injuries, along with nine others admitted with gunshot wounds. Some were undergoing emergency surgery, according to hospital superintendent Dr Jibitesh Biswas.

Authorities imposed a curfew from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday to restore order. Law enforcement sources reported at least 15 vehicles belonging to the NCP and the media were vandalised. NCP’s chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari accused the Awami League and its affiliated groups of orchestrating the attack, alleging complicity by the authorities. “Despite prior assurances, police and military personnel stood by as our rally was attacked in broad daylight,” he told reporters.

Footage shared on social media shows baton-wielding attackers storming the rally venue, destroying banners and chairs while security forces appeared passive. Senior NCP leader Sarjis Alam, speaking from a safe location, described the violence as a “planned ambush.”
A convoy carrying NCP convenor Nahid Islam and other senior leaders was later escorted out of Gopalganj under military and police protection, confirmed NCP joint secretary Mushfiq Us Salehin.
The interim government condemned the violence, vowing swift justice. “This brutal assault by banned Awami League elements is a severe violation of fundamental rights. The attackers will be brought to justice,” a government statement read, praising security forces for containing further escalation.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul called the incident “a serious blow to the new Bangladesh we are building,” adding that remnants of the ousted regime remain embedded in the system.
Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan described the incident as “unacceptable,” noting that “terror networks in Gopalganj have been dismantled” and judicial proceedings are underway.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep concern, warning that the violence reflected efforts by the former ruling party to destabilise the country. “Such attacks must be met with decisive legal action,” he said.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman criticised the authorities’ failure to prevent the violence, stating: “Gopalganj is part of Bangladesh. NCP had every right to rally there. The government must answer for this brutality.” The district unit Ameer of Jamaat added that the attack revealed a refusal to embrace democracy.

In response, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement-one of the main groups behind the July Uprising-announced nationwide blockades in solidarity with the NCP. Protest calls were echoed by political and student groups, with demonstrations reported in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rajshahi by evening.

The Home Ministry has yet to release a statement on the broader unrest.