GOPALGANJ, July 16, (V7N) – Gopalganj plunged into chaos on Wednesday as activists of the banned Chhatra League and Awami League launched violent attacks on the National Citizens Party’s (NCP) rally site, leading to panic across the city and prompting authorities to impose Section 144.

Tension escalated in the afternoon when Chhatra League members ambushed and vandalized the venue just moments before the rally began. Though chased away temporarily, they returned after the central NCP leaders—including Nahid Islam, Hasnat Abdullah, and Sarjis Alam—finished addressing the gathering.

As the leaders were leaving, armed attackers surrounded NCP leaders, activists, and accompanying police vehicles from all directions. Law enforcement, including police and army personnel, responded with sound grenades and blank bullets, allowing the NCP delegation to flee the scene in a different direction.

The situation further deteriorated as running battles broke out between police, APBN, and attackers, who hurled crude bombs at law enforcement. The stage set for the rally was torched, and chairs were broken and strewn across the street. Fires were lit on roads, barricading key routes, disrupting movement and intensifying fear among residents.

Earlier in the morning, Chhatra League and Awami League members blocked the Ghonapara-Tekerhat regional road by cutting down trees. During this time, the UNO's convoy was attacked, and in a separate incident, a police vehicle was set ablaze in Ulpur, Gopalganj Sadar, leaving several officers injured.

In response to the escalating violence, Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner Md. Kamruzzaman imposed Section 144, banning public gatherings and movement to restore order. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troops have been deployed, alongside police and army, to bring the situation under control.

Despite the violent disruptions, NCP leaders vowed to continue their nationwide campaign for reform and justice, announcing protest programs in Dhaka, including a torchlight procession in the evening.

The day's events mark one of the most violent episodes in recent months, raising concerns over the fragile state of political stability amid heightened national tensions.

END/RH/AJ