Gopalganj unrest: Case filed against over 400 including banned AL, BCL supporters, 45 held so far
The death toll from the deadly clashes has risen to five after one of the injured passed away at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the early hours today.
A case has been filed over the attack, vandalism, arson, and assault on police personnel that took place in Ulpur, Gopalganj Sadar upazila, centring the National Citizen Party's (NCP) "March to Gopalganj", on 16 July.
The case under the Anti Terrorism Act was filed at the Sadar Police Station by Inspector Ahmed Ali late last night (17 July) against more than 400 people, 75 of whom were named, Sadar police Officer-in-Charge Mir Mohammad Sajedur Rahman confirmed to The Business Standard.
The accused include many leaders and activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League and Awami League supporters. District Chhatra League President Newton Molla and General Secretary Ataur Pial are among the accused.
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Additionally, at least 400 unidentified people have also been accused in the case.
So far, officials told TBS that 45 people have been detained by the joint forces during raids since the violent clashes, which led to five deaths.
The violence erupted on 16 July, when supporters and members of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, vandalised and attacked NCP's "March to Gopalganj."
According to police sources, the accused attacked a police vehicle, set it on fire, and physically assaulted several officers during the incident.
The situation escalated further when NCP members, returning from the rally, were reportedly attacked by members of the banned Chhatra League. This triggered a prolonged confrontation between the attackers and law enforcement, turning the city into what witnesses described as a war zone.
In a bid to restore order, both police and army personnel opened fire on the attackers.
Officials later confirmed that four people were killed and dozens were injured in the violence. One of the injured, who sustained gunshot injuries, passed away at Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the early hours today (18 July).
In response to the violence, the interim government issued a strong statement condemning the violence, calling it "absolutely inexcusable" and promising that those responsible would be held accountable.
"Let it be made clear, violence has no place in our nation. Justice must and will prevail," the government said.
The statement also criticised attempts to obstruct young citizens from peacefully commemorating their movement, describing it as a "shameful violation" of their fundamental rights.
