Supporters of the banned Chhatra League, along with activists from the Awami League and affiliated organisations, allegedly attacked the rally stage of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday (July 16).

The attacked was launched just before the party’s scheduled “July March” programme began.

The attack took place around 1:30pm at the Municipal Park in Gopalganj Sadar, where NCP activists had gathered for a planned march. 

Eyewitnesses said the attackers shouted the slogan "Joy Bangla" while vandalising the stage and chairs, and detonating crude explosives.

The incident follows a string of violent attacks earlier in the day, including the torching of a police patrol vehicle in Durgapur Union and an assault on the convoy of the Gopalganj Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) in the Kangshur area.

The NCP, which has launched a month-long protest campaign under the banner of the “July March,” had planned a large rally in the district. 

Party convener Nahid Islam and central leaders were scheduled to address supporters at the event.

Despite the volatile situation, the convoys of Nahid Islam and NCP northern region coordinator Sarjis Alam managed to reach the Gopalganj district headquarters prior to the attack.

SMS/