45 Arrested in Gopalganj Over Clashes and Arson During NCP’s Procession

In Gopalganj, 45 people have been arrested by joint forces up to Friday morning in connection with clashes, attacks, and arson that began on Wednesday surrounding the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) July procession. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station, Mir Md. Sajedur Rahman, confirmed this information.

OC Mir Md. Sajedur Rahman stated that 25 people were arrested by Thursday evening. Later, early Friday morning, an additional 20 individuals were arrested from various locations and handed over to the police station. All detainees are currently held at the Sadar police station.

In Ulpur Union’s Khatiagor Charpara area of Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, following attacks on police, vandalism of vehicles, and arson, Inspector Ahmad Biswas of Gopinathpur police outpost has filed a case. The case will name 75 people, including the president and general secretary of the banned organization Chhatra League’s Gopalganj district branch, along with 400 to 500 unknown individuals as accused.

When asked why the detainees have not yet been produced before court despite 24 hours passing since their arrest, OC Sajedur Rahman said they will be taken to court at the earliest possible time. Regarding the fact that no case has yet been filed concerning the five deaths and clashes, he said a decision will be made after discussions with higher authorities.

Though the situation in Gopalganj is somewhat stable today, the curfew remains in effect. The district administration imposed the curfew on Thursday night to control the situation. On Thursday evening, Dhaka Division Commissioner Sarf Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury held a meeting with law enforcement agencies about the overall situation in Gopalganj. Afterwards, at a briefing held in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room, he stated that the curfew hours have been extended until 11 a.m. on Friday and partially relaxed from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

It is worth noting that around the NCP procession, various attacks, vandalism, and arson incidents involving Awami League and the banned organization Chhatra League leaders and activists have taken place in Gopalganj. Five people have died in clashes with law enforcement during these incidents. More than fifty people have been injured, including at least eight who were shot.

Due to strict curfew and security measures, traffic has normalized since this morning, but daily life has not fully returned to normal yet. The administration remains on high alert and is taking various steps to maintain control over the situation.