A protest rally organized by the youth wing of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, Bangladesh turned violent on Wednesday. Gopalganj is the home district of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to reports, clashes broke out between NCP members and supporters of Hasina’s party, the Awami League.
Police Open Fire, Casualties Reported
Police opened fire to control the escalating violence. Four people were killed and nine others were injured in the shooting. Tear gas and sound grenades were also used to disperse the crowd.
Among the deceased, three have been identified as:
- Dipto Saha (25)
- Ramzan Kazi (18)
- Sohel Molla (41)
Doctors said the victims were brought to Gopalganj General Hospital in critical condition.
How the Violence Unfolded
Witnesses said Awami League supporters attacked police and security forces using sticks, stones, and bricks. Protesters also damaged vehicles used by the police and local officials.
The situation worsened when NCP’s rally was targeted, prompting police to respond with live fire.
Rally Continued Despite Chaos
Despite the violence, NCP leaders completed the rally. Speaking from a damaged stage and broken sound system, party leaders criticized the police and government.
NCP founder and coordinator Nahid Islam said,
“If the security forces cannot deliver justice, we will take justice into our own hands.”
NCP leader Sarjis Alam accused ruling party “goons” of leading the attack, writing on Facebook,
“The police stood by silently and later retreated.”
Curfew Imposed, Troops Deployed
In response to the unrest, the Prime Minister’s Office announced a 22-hour curfew in Gopalganj starting at 8 PM Wednesday. Around 200 members of the Bangladesh Border Guard (BGB) were deployed to maintain order.
About the NCP
The National Citizen Party (NCP) is a new political party in Bangladesh, formed on February 28, 2025. It is the country’s first youth-led political movement and has received public support from interim government leader Muhammad Yunus.
Yunus wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The youths were denied the right to celebrate their revolutionary movement’s anniversary. This is a shameful violation of their fundamental rights.”
He blamed the Awami League and its student wing for the violence and called for those responsible to be held fully accountable.
“There is no place in Bangladesh for such violence,” he added. “We salute the bravery of the students who continued the rally despite threats.”
