Curfew in Gopalganj Amidst Violent Clashes and Tensions

Dhaka, Jul 17 (PTI) — Military and paramilitary forces, along with riot police, were deployed on Thursday to patrol the streets of Gopalganj, the birthplace of Bangladesh's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The authorities enforced a stringent 22-hour curfew following violent clashes that resulted in four fatalities and the detention of 14 individuals.

Armored personnel carriers, manned by military troops waving red flags, traversed the south-western town of Gopalganj. This came after Wednesday's clashes forced residents indoors, shuttered businesses, and halted transportation, according to officials.

The violence erupted around a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally, transforming the area into a chaotic battleground. In the confrontation, NCP supporters collided with police as tensions grew over the plan to march. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's supporters were also involved, adding to the conflict.

"Gopalganj is in a state of tense calm," reported a local journalist via phone from the town, which is situated around 160 kilometers southwest of Dhaka.

Police confirmed the overnight detention of 14 individuals, yet no formal charges have been filed. Abdullah Al Mamun, the inspector of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station, told local media, "The joint forces handed over the 14 individuals to us." The process of filing cases is ongoing, he added.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ office announced the imposition of the 22-hour curfew starting 8 pm on Wednesday, vowing accountability for the perpetrators of the NCP attack.

The NCP emerged as an extension of the Students Against Discrimination group, which previously led significant protests culminating in the removal of Hasina's 16-year Awami League governance on August 5, 2024.

In response to the unrest, the interim government swiftly formed a committee to investigate, led by the home ministry's senior secretary Nasimul Ghani and comprising two additional secretaries from the law and public administration ministries.

On Facebook, NCP convenor Nahid Islam expressed determination to "liberate Gopalganj and the entire Bangladesh from Mujibist terrorism and fascism." He accused Mujibist elements of a premeditated attempt on their lives, alleging further that the Awami League is akin to a terrorist organization.

Islam contended that the NCP's demands for arrests of Awami League affiliates, including the student wing Chhatra League, had been inadequately addressed, with many evading justice.

Witnesses and media reports highlight that prior security measures to allow the NCP's planned rally did not avert conflict. Protesters, armed with bamboo sticks and bricks, engaged security forces, prompting a forceful response, including gunfire from the authorities.

Despite the turmoil, the NCP proceeded with their rally, albeit on a vandalized stage with damaged audio equipment. Convenor Nahid Islam reaffirmed their commitment to justice if the legal authorities failed to deliver.

Sources, including a local newspaper editor who chose to remain anonymous, indicated involvement by not just Awami League supporters but also residents and workers from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, opposing the NCP rally.

Earlier incidents, such as in February, saw thousands set fire to the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhanmondi, now a memorial.

At 77, Sheikh Hasina has sought refuge in India since August 5 of the previous year, following a massive student-led protest that dismantled her long-standing regime.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)