22-hour curfew underway in Gopalganj; 20 detained after clashes leave 4 killed
Security forces patrolled the streets while loudspeakers were used to urge residents to stay indoors
A tense calm has gripped Gopalganj following violent attacks surrounding a rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP). In response to the unrest, the district administration enforced a 22-hour curfew, effective from 8pm yesterday to 6pm today.
At least 14 people have been detained in the incident and handed over to Gopalganj Police Station.
Later in the day, Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mir Md Sajedur Rahman confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals so far during the curfew, according to a BBC Bangla report.
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However, no case has been filed in the incident yet.
Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Kamruzzaman assured that the situation is now under control.
Despite the curfew, a few daily wage earners were seen venturing out in the morning. A handful of rickshaws were also spotted on the streets. Many residents cautiously stepped outside to assess the situation. All businesses in the city remain closed amid safety concerns.
Attempts to reach police officials for comments regarding any arrests or official cases filed have so far been unsuccessful.
Security forces patrolled the streets while loudspeakers were used to urge residents to stay indoors. Although the situation appeared calm by today morning, tension remains high throughout the district, and fear continues to grip local residents.
The violence erupted yesterday (16 July) supporters and members of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League vandalised and attacked the Gopalganj rally of NCP.
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 skirmish 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. Among the dead are Dipto Saha, 25, a banned Jubo League member from Udayan Road; Ramzan Kazi, 24, of Thanapara; Imon Talukder, 18, from Aarpada in Sadar Upazila; and Sohel Molla, son of Idris Molla from Tungipara.
