Tensions flared in Gopalganj on Wednesday afternoon as a group of individuals allegedly attempted to surround and attack leaders and activists of the National Citizens` Party (NCP) immediately after their rally concluded.
The incident occurred around 2:45 PM at the Municipal Park in Gopalganj town. Witnesses said the attackers blocked all routes surrounding the NCP activists and police vehicles.
In response, law enforcement and army personnel fired sound grenades and blank shots to disperse the crowd and regain control of the situation.
NCP leaders and activists managed to escape by redirecting their vehicles through alternative routes.
Following the incident, NCP`s Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary told reporters that the attackers were supporters of the ruling Awami League, and accused police and army officials of failing to intervene in time.
He claimed security personnel had earlier assured that the situation was under control, but by the time they arrived at the venue, the reality was different.
In response to the escalating unrest, Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Md Kamruzzaman imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings in the district. A magistrate from the district administration confirmed the decision to reporters.
Earlier, around 1:45 PM, a group of 200–300 stick-wielding men entered the NCP rally venue. At that moment, police officers near the stage quickly retreated into the adjacent court premises, while NCP leaders and activists fled the scene.
The attackers vandalized stage furniture and tore down banners. They were later chased away by NCP members and police, following the arrival of Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman.
Despite the chaos, the NCP went on to hold their scheduled rally afterward. The party claims that the continued attacks and lack of security indicate political targeting by the ruling party and a failure of administrative neutrality.
