Fresh case filed over Gopalganj violence; 306 arrested so far

A fresh case has been filed against over 400 people in connection with the Gopalganj violence during a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally that left five people dead.

Shamim Al Mamun, sub-inspector of Sadar Police Station, filed the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act on last night (18 July) against 54 named and 350 unnamed people, Gopalganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mir Mohammad Sajedur Rahman told The Business Standard today (19 July).

The charges include torching police vehicles and creating obstructions by felling logs on Satpar Road in sadar upazila on 16 July, the OC added.

OC Sajedur further said that so far, 306 people have been arrested in connection with the cases.

This brings the total number of cases filed over the violence to four, naming around 3,008 individuals. Leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated bodies were among the accused.

Meanwhile, the local administration again imposed a curfew starting at 8pm tonight, which will remain in effect until 6am tomorrow.

Earlier on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Mohammad Kamruzzaman had temporarily eased the curfew for 14 hours, permitting public movement between 6am and 8pm.

The curfew was imposed after violent clashes erupted during Wednesday's NCP rally, allegedly attacked by activists of the Awami League and its banned student wing Chhatra League, resulting in five deaths.

A tense atmosphere continues to prevail in the district, with major roads remaining deserted and residents gripped by fear. Only a few small vehicles were seen on the streets since 17 July.

Though the curfew relaxation offered partial relief, fear and uncertainty linger. Some businesses reopened, but customer turnout remained low.

Most establishments stayed closed due to the weekly holiday, and transport services resumed only on a limited scale.