Curfew in Gopalganj extended, to remain in effect from 2pm tomorrow until further notice: Govt

The Ministry of Home Affairs today (17 July) announced an extension of the ongoing curfew in Gopalganj district.

According to a statement, signed by Faisal Hasan, public relations officer of the ministry, the curfew will remain in effect from 6pm today until 11am tomorrow and will resume again from 2pm and continue until further notice.

The curfew will be temporarily lifted for three hours, from 11am to 2pm, to allow residents to access essential services, the statement read.

Earlier in the afternoon, however, the Gopalganj district administration said the curfew will end at 6pm tomorrow.

The move comes after the city was met with deadly clashes between banned Awami League supporters and law enforcers during the National Citizen Party's (NCP) "March to Gopalganj", which left four people dead and scores injured.

Tensions erupted after AL activists allegedly attacked a convoy of central leaders of the NCP as it was leaving the district following the rally.

Gopalganj under curfew; 4 killed as banned AL, police clash after attack on NCP leaders

The initial government response included the imposition of Section 144, banning public gatherings. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated, with several police officers injured and multiple vehicles vandalised or set on fire during the unrest.

To contain the escalating violence, the government first imposed a curfew starting 8pm yesterday, which was originally set to end by 6pm today. In light of ongoing security concerns, the curfew has now been extended.

Security forces remain deployed across key points in the district to maintain order.