Dhaka, July 16, (V7N) – Gopalganj turned into a battleground on Wednesday as clashes erupted around the July March organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP). The day-long tension, marked by ambushes, vandalism, and attacks, spread panic across the city.

The situation escalated rapidly after activists of the banned Chhatra League, allegedly aligned with the ousted Awami League, launched a surprise attack at the scheduled rally venue of the NCP in Gopalganj city around noon. They vandalized property and fled after facing resistance, witnesses said.

As the NCP leaders and activists began to disperse after the rally, they were surrounded and blocked by a group of armed assailants. The attackers reportedly targeted both NCP activists and law enforcement vehicles, triggering a tense standoff.

To contain the violence, police and army personnel deployed to the area fired sound grenades and blank bullets. Amid the chaos, NCP leaders turned their convoy around and exited the area under tight security.

Earlier in the day, Awami League and Chhatra League supporters blocked roads by cutting down trees on the Ghonapara-Tekerhat regional highway in Gandhiyashur area. A convoy of government officials, including a UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer), came under attack while attempting to negotiate with the protesters.

In Ulpur, another flashpoint in Gopalganj Sadar, a police vehicle was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. Several officers sustained injuries and were later hospitalized.

In response to the day's events, the NCP has announced a torchlight protest procession in Dhaka this evening. According to a party statement, the procession will begin from the NCP Central Office at Bangla Motor, led jointly by Dhaka Metropolitan North and South.

The NCP condemned the attacks as “coordinated and premeditated” and accused remnants of the former ruling party of attempting to disrupt democratic activities through violence and fear.

Security across Dhaka and Gopalganj has since been heightened. Law enforcement agencies have been ordered to remain on high alert as political tensions continue to rise across the country.

END/RH/AJ