Authorities imposed a curfew in Bangladesh’s Gopalganj district, the home region of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, late Wednesday night following deadly clashes between ruling party supporters and members of the opposition National Citizens’ Party (NCP).
At least four people were killed and several others injured after violence broke out during an NCP rally in Gopalganj town. According to local media reports, including Prothom Alo, the deceased have been identified as Dipta Saha (25), Ramjan Kazi (18), Imon (24), and Sohel Molla (41). One man, Suman Biswas, remains hospitalized with gunshot wounds, and at least eight more people reportedly sustained similar injuries.
The violence erupted when hundreds of armed supporters of the ruling Awami League, shouting “Joy Bangla” slogans, allegedly attempted to storm the rally venue at the Gopalganj municipal park. The crowd, led by local Awami League leader Mohammad Pial, reportedly vandalized the stage, set fire to police vehicles, and attacked the district commissioner’s residence, according to the NCP.
Security forces responded with tear gas, sound grenades, and gunfire in a bid to regain control of the situation. Troops from the Bangladesh Army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have since been deployed to enforce the curfew and maintain order.
NCP coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari accused ruling party supporters of launching the attack and alleged that both police and the military failed to act impartially. “Awami League cadres were responsible for the assault, while security forces stood by silently,” he told reporters. By Thursday morning, the situation had slightly calmed, though a tense atmosphere remained. Debris from the previous day’s clashes, including bricks, bamboo sticks, and tree branches, still littered the streets of Gopalganj town.
The government has not officially confirmed the number of casualties, and no arrests have been announced as of Thursday afternoon.
