Local authorities imposed Section 144 on Wednesday afternoon (July 16) after supporters of the Awami League (AL) and its banned student wing Chhatra League reportedly attacked a convoy of the National Citizen Party (NCP), following the party’s rally in the district.
Gopalganj turned into what eyewitnesses described as a “battlefield.”
The violence reportedly erupted around 2:45 pm in the Launchghat area when NCP supporters were returning from the rally.
Witnesses claim that AL and the banned Chhatra League members blocked roads and launched attacks, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
The situation deteriorated further when police officers attempting to restore order were drawn into direct clashes with Awami League and the banned Chhatra League activists.
By 4:30 pm, military personnel were deployed to the scene in an attempt to stabilize the area.
Several routes connecting Gopalganj to nearby districts were blocked with tree trunks and barricades, effectively cutting off transport and movement.
In a concerning escalation, the Gopalganj District Reporters Forum office was vandalized, and multiple journalists were caught in the crossfire. Jamuna TV Senior Correspondent Mozammel Hossain Munna and DBC Television's Subrata Saha Bapi were among those injured.
The injured were rushed to Gopalganj Sadar Hospital, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
Earlier in the day, a police vehicle was torched, and another attack was reportedly carried out on a convoy transporting the local Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
Law enforcement personnel responded by firing blank rounds in an attempt to disperse violent mobs. At the time of reporting, sporadic clashes were continuing, and tensions remained high throughout the city.
The unrest occurred amid the NCP’s month-long district-to-district mobilization campaign, with today’s long march and rally in Gopalganj marking a key event.
NCP leaders have reportedly taken shelter at the Superintendent of Police’s office following the outbreak of violence.
SMS/
