Leaders and activists of National Citizen Party’s (NCP) came under severe attack in Gopalganj on Wednesday (July 16), following previously announce "March to Gopalganj" programme.
The attack was launched by the banned Chhatra League, along with activists from the Awami League and affiliated organisations, just ahead of the programme.
What happened?
The miscreants attacked NCP rally venue in Gopalganj's Poura Park, vandalising sound equipment, chairs, and assaulting party activists.
Around 1:45 pm, 200–300 locals armed with sticks attacked the NCP's rally venue.
Following the incident, several cocktails (bomb) were exploded, and bricks were also thrown, leaving several people injured.
The miscreants also vandalised and torched vehicles belonging to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) and police in separate attacks in Gopalganj Sadar upazila.
Army and Law enforcement act
Army personnel and police rushed to the spot to bring law and order in the area.
Officer-in-Charge of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station, Mir Md Sajedur Rahman, confirmed the incident.
According to him, “Supporters of the banned Chhatra League, led by its general secretary Ataur Rahman Piyal, vandalised and set fire to a police vehicle in an attempt to disrupt the NCP's programme.”
Section 144 imposed in Gopalganj
Following attack on the NCP leaders and activists in Gopalganj the administration has imposed section 144 in Gopalganj to control the situation.
Section 144 was imposed on Wednesday (July 16) afternoon.
However, the situation could not be brought under control till the time of writing this report.
Many police and journalists were stranded at this time. The army entered the field at around 4:30 pm. Awami League and Chhatra League blocked the routes from Gopalganj to other districts by throwing tree trunks.
BGB deployed
Four platoons of BGB have been deployed in Gopalganj following the attack on the rally stage and convoy of the National Citizens Party (NCP) by cadres of the banned Chhatra League and Awami League.
BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam confirmed the matter on Wednesday (July 16) afternoon.
He said that four platoons of BGB have joined the army and police to control the law and order situation in Gopalganj.
Name change of Gopalganj
National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam said, "Dear Gopalganj residents, we have not come to change the name of Gopalganj.
He said, “We have come to promise that the rights of the people of Gopalganj will be protected in the future Bangladesh, in this new Bangladesh."
"Mujibabad Murdabad”
A senior leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP) on Wednesday chanted anti-Mujibism slogans during a political rally in Gopalganj, the ancestral district of Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of the NCP’s southern region, shouted “Mujibabad Murdabad” (Down with Mujibism) while addressing party supporters at a gathering in the municipal park as part of the group’s month-long “July March” campaign.
In his speech, Abdullah criticised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of neglecting Gopalganj and prioritising only her family.
He alleged that the ruling Awami League had isolated the district from the rest of the country, depriving its residents of equal opportunities.
He urged the people of Gopalganj to recognise their equal rights alongside other districts, including Feni and Bogura, and vowed to fight for justice for all.
Hasnat Abdullah also called on locals to join the NCP in building a "just Bangladesh" free from oppressive rule. At the rally’s conclusion, he led chants against Mujibism, declaring: "Break down the stronghold of Mujibism; revolution, long live; Mujibism down."
The remarks sparked controversy given the historical significance of Mujibism and its central place in Bangladesh’s political landscape. No immediate response was available from government or ruling party officials.
Condemnation by the political parties
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the heinous attack by the terrorists of the Awami fascist government on the NCP's previously announced 'March to Gopalganj' program in Gopalganj.
A statement was issued in this regard on Wednesday (July 16).
The BNP Secretary General said that after the fall of the Awami dictatorial ruling group in the student-public movement, the miscreants have once again engaged in malicious activities to create an unstable situation in the country and gain benefits through anarchy.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government to take prompt action over the incident in Gopalganj.
He made the call through a status posted on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday (16 July) afternoon.
He wrote, “What is happening in Gopalganj? Gopalganj is part of Bangladesh. As far as I know, NCP leaders had already communicated with all levels of the administration in the usual manner to seek assistance in implementing their programme. This is their political right. But in the current situation, there is practically no presence of law enforcement agencies on the ground. The government must take all necessary measures immediately. Otherwise, the full responsibility of history will fall upon the government.”
He further wrote, “We urge the people of the concerned area to refrain from all kinds of disorder, and we sincerely call upon the peace-loving, anti-fascist people to unite. May Almighty Allah send His help in favour of truth and justice. Ameen.”
MSK/
