Four killed in Gopalganj violence

 
At least four people were killed and several others injured as violence erupted between law enforcers and activists of Awami League and its associate bodies over a rally of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon.

The deceased were identified as Dipto Saha, 30, Rozman Kazi, 19, Sohel Rana, 35, and Emon, identified with a single name. "We have received four bodies here," said Jibitesh Biswas, superintendent of Gopalganj General Hospital, told media on Wednesday evening.

Some 15 were admitted to Gopalganj General Hospital, while three in serious condition have been transferred to Dhaka.

Amid heightening tensions over the clashes, the government imposed curfew in the district. The curfew will remain in force from 8am on Wednesday to 6pm on Thursday, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. A tense situation prevailed over the programme of NCP scheduled to be held in Gopalganj town. Violence erupted on Wednesday morning as a group of people torched a police vehicle, followed by an attack on the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's (UNO) car.

Activists of Awami League and banned Chhatra League with 'Joy Bangla' slogan attacked the NCP's rally stage at the municipal park.

When NCP leaders were leaving for Madaripur via Tekerhat under police escort, they came under renewed attack.

In the face of the chaos, the NCP's central leaders sought refuge at the district police superintendent's office. Later, escorted in Army armoured vehicles, they left the premises.

Earlier on Wednesday, the district administration invoked Section 144 to ban public gatherings, but as tensions continued to rise, the government moved to impose a curfew in the evening.

The government warned that those involved in the attacks on peaceful rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) in Gopalganj would be brought to justice. 

"The use of violence in Gopalganj is utterly indefensible," said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing on Wednesday.

It said preventing young citizens from peacefully holding a rally to commemorate the one-year anniversary of their revolutionary movement is a shameful violation of their fundamental rights.

"This heinous act-allegedly carried out by members of the banned Awami League's Chhatra League and AL activists - will not go unpunished," the statement read.