'Blockade' Program Nationwide in Protest of Gopalganj Attack, Curfew Imposed in City

In response to the attack on leaders of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) in Gopalganj, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a nationwide 'blockade' program at key points across Bangladesh. Concurrently, the interim government has imposed a curfew in Gopalganj to bring the situation under control, following widespread clashes and counter-attacks.

On Wednesday (July 16), Rashidul Islam Rifat, president of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, shared this information in a social media post on Facebook. He wrote, "The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is announcing a blockade program at important points across Bangladesh in protest of the attack on [NCP] leaders in Gopalganj."

He urged all units of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement across the country to implement the blockade program, collaborating with local student organizations, political parties, and people from all walks of life.

A message sent by the interim government's press wing announced that a curfew has been imposed in Gopalganj from 8:00 PM on Wednesday (July 16) until 6:00 PM on the following day (Thursday).

According to district administration sources, this stringent measure has been taken to ensure public safety in light of recent unrest and conflicts that have occurred in various parts of the district. During the curfew, public movement will be restricted, and no one will be allowed outdoors without special necessity. Law enforcement agencies will be on the ground, monitoring the situation.

Earlier, the NCP's vehicle convoy was attacked while returning after a meeting in Gopalganj. It is reported that workers of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League carried out this attack. At that time, Gopalganj turned into a battlefield. Police and army forces fired shots to control the situation. During these clashes, police and army vehicles were also reportedly attacked.