Gopalganj attack: Nahid demands arrest of culprits within 24 hours
Nahid announced that the NCP would hold protest marches across the country tomorrow
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government for the arrest of those responsible for the attack on the party's rally and convoy in Gopalganj, allegedly carried out by supporters of the banned Awami League and its affiliates.
Speaking at a press conference in Khulna tonight (17 July), the NCP leader said, "Those who attacked our leaders, tried to kill them, and destroyed our rally stage must be arrested within the next 24 hours. Proper investigations must follow immediately to bring the culprits to justice."
Regarding the role of the police, he said, "Before visiting any district, we always take official clearance from the authorities. The Gopalganj visit followed the same procedure. Still, the police's role should have been stronger and more responsible."
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Central leaders, including Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Organiser (northern region) Sarjis Alam, Chief Organiser (southern region) Hasnat Abdullah, and Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, were present at the press conference, along with local and regional party activists.
Nahid further said, "In Gopalganj, armed activists of the Awami League and Chhatra League carried out a premeditated attack on the NCP rally with the intention of killing party leaders and activists.
"Three NCP members were injured and six vehicles were damaged in the attack. The role of the administration is questionable. Had the police been vigilant, the attack could have been prevented," he said.
Describing the assault as a "militant-style attack," he announced that the NCP would hold protest marches across the country tomorrow.
The NCP leader also said that today's scheduled rallies in Madaripur and Shariatpur have been postponed, while tomorrow's march will continue as planned through Faridpur.
Violence in Gopalganj 'utterly indefensible', those responsible will swiftly face justice: Govt
Earlier, a group of NCP leaders took shelter at Khulna Circuit House, while others stayed in a hotel following the violence in Gopalganj. Later, around 5:30pm, the NCP leaders left Gopalganj by army's armoured personnel carrier (APC).
Gopalganj town was engulfed in chaos amid intense clashes, arson, and violent attacks allegedly by the activists of banned Awami League and Chhatra League surrounding the march and rally organised by the NCP throughout the day today.
At least four people were killed and dozens injured during violent clashes between banned Awami League (AL) supporters and law enforcers following the attacks on NCP rally and convoy.
The government imposed a curfew in the district from 8pm tonight (16 July) until 6pm tomorrow (17 July).
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Kamruzzaman has said the situation is currently under control of the law enforcement agencies.
NCP leaders leave Gopalganj in army's APC following attack on convoy, clashes between AL, police
To regain control of the situation, police and army personnel, along with four platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), were deployed across the city.
Meanwhile, the interim government said that the application of violence in Gopalganj is "absolutely inexcusable" and that those who perpetrated the brutality will be held accountable.
"Let it be made absolutely clear— violence has no place in our nation. Justice must and will prevail," a government statement, on the attacks on the NCP rally, reads.
The government stated that obstructing young citizens from peacefully conducting a rally to commemorate the one-year anniversary of their revolutionary movement constitutes is a "shameful violation" of their essential rights.
