As Gopalganj descended into chaos amid clashes between police, the Army, and supporters of the banned Awami League and its student wing, National Citizen Party leader Sarjis Alam has launched a dramatic appeal for support.

Sarjis, chief organiser of the NCP North unit, said in a Facebook post that they would not retreat, declaring their mission to end what he called “Mujibism” once and for all.

In the post made amid the unrest, Sarjis wrote: “Killers loyal to [Sheikh] Hasina have attacked us in Gopalganj. Police are standing by, watching like it’s a theatre, and backing away.

“People of Bangladesh, come to Gopalganj. Rise, conscious students and citizens of Gopalganj. Today is the last day to bury the traitors,” he added.

The NCP rally and procession in Gopalganj had been fraught with tension since Tuesday, with extensive online mobilisation fuelling anticipation and unease.

Violence erupted on Wednesday morning, before NCP leaders could even enter the city with their convoy. The first incidents included an attack and arson on a police vehicle, followed by another targeting the car of the Upazila executive officer, or Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Around 1:30pm, members of the banned Awami League and Bangladesh Chhatra League reportedly marched into the NCP rally site at Poura Park, shouting “Joy Bangla” slogans before storming the stage, according to party leaders.

After a brief rally, the NCP leaders departed under police escort via Tekerhat en route to Madaripur. However, the convoy was ambushed again around 2:45pm near the city’s launch terminal in front of Gopalganj Government College.

The subsequent clashes between Awami League and Chhatra League activists and the police and the Army turned Gopalganj into a chaotic scene.

As violence escalated, the local administration imposed Section 144, banning all public gatherings. Several NCP central leaders reportedly took shelter at the office of the police superintendent.