Curfew in Gopalganj After Clashes Leave 4 Dead, Dozens Hurt

Photo: Collected

A 22-hour curfew has been imposed in Gopalganj from 8pm tonight (16 July) until 6pm tomorrow (17 July), following deadly clashes that left at least four people dead and dozens injured. The violence erupted after supporters of the banned Awami League (AL) and Chhatra League allegedly attacked a rally and convoy of National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders.

Authorities confirmed that residents must remain indoors unless faced with life-threatening emergencies. Law enforcement personnel, army units, and four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed across the city to restore order.

According to hospital authorities, four bodies with gunshot wounds were brought to Gopalganj General Hospital. The deceased were identified as Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), Sohel Rana Molla (30), and one other individual yet to be identified. Around 20 to 25 others were hospitalised with injuries.

Violence broke out when AL supporters allegedly attacked the NCP rally at Municipal Park, chanting slogans and vandalising the stage. Protesters reportedly set fire to chairs and equipment, while gunfire echoed through the area. Law enforcers responded with sound grenades and tear gas, but clashes continued in several locations.

NCP leaders, after attempting to leave the town under police protection, came under renewed attacks near Gopalganj Government College. They eventually sought shelter at the Superintendent of Police’s office.

Shops across the city remained closed as fear gripped residents. Earlier, Section 144 had been enforced amid growing tensions surrounding the NCP's planned anniversary rally.

Police vehicles and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's car were set ablaze. Law enforcement agencies have reportedly been instructed to dismantle networks of banned organisations behind the violence.

The government condemned the violence as "inexcusable," pledging justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators. It termed the attacks on peaceful demonstrators as a "shameful violation" of citizens' rights.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami announced countrywide demonstrations protesting the attacks, calling for unity against what it termed "fascism."

The Inspector General of Police stated that forces were exercising maximum restraint in handling the situation, using no lethal weapons, and reinforcements were being sent to stabilise the area.