Gopalganj under heavy security as tension persists amid curfew
By 8:30pm, the town appeared largely calm but deserted. Most shops were shuttered, streets were nearly empty, and the few individuals seen outside were quickly heading home with visible fear on their faces
Gopalganj district town remains tense under curfew after a day of violent clashes that left at least four people dead during attacks allegedly carried out by supporters of the banned Awami League and Chhatra League.
The violence erupted in response to a march and rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP).
The government imposed a curfew in the district from 8pm yesterday (16 July) until 6pm today.
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Security forces, including members of the army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed across the town, patrolling key areas, reports our correspondent.
By 8:30pm, the town appeared largely calm but deserted. Most shops were shuttered, streets were nearly empty, and the few individuals seen outside were quickly heading home with visible fear on their faces.
Despite the curfew, journalists remained on the ground, continuing to work from the scene.
Yesterday, chaos erupted in the town as violent clashes broke out between supporters of the banned Awami League and law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and leaving dozens injured after an attack on the NCP rally and convoy.
In response, 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 absolutely 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.
