Gopalganj Correspondent

Four people were shot dead in Gopalganj during an attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) motorcade by Awami League activists, sparking hours of violent clashes that left nearly 100 people, including police and journalists, injured.

The deceased were identified as Dipto Saha, 25, son of Santosh Saha of Udayan Road; Romjan Kazi, 24, son of Kamrul Kazi of Thanapara; Emon Talukdar, 18, son of Azad Talukdar from Arpara village and Shohel Molla, 35, son of Idris Molla from Tungipara.

Dr. Sheikh Md Nabil, an emergency department doctor at Gopalganj 250-bed General Hospital, confirmed that all three died from gunshot wounds.

The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon as NCP convoy was returning from a rally in the city.

According to witnesses, after the rally ended near launch ghat area in front of Gopalganj Government College, members of Chhatra League and Jubo League attacked the NCP procession.

This led to intense confrontations between the attackers and law enforcement agencies, lasting almost three hours and turning approximately 1.5 kilometers of road from the market area to Pachuria into a battleground.

In response, police and military personnel opened fire on the attackers. Three were killed in the shooting.

Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Kamruzzaman stated that following the outbreak of violence related to NCP’s march, Section 144 prohibiting public gatherings was imposed across the district indefinitely.

Furthermore, a curfew was declared from 8 PM Wednesday until 6 PM Thursday to restore order. The disturbances caused widespread panic throughout the district, but the situation is now under control by law enforcement.

The clashes escalated after NCP rally ended around 2:30 PM, with violent confrontations involving Chhatra League, Jubo League, locals and security forces.

Law enforcement used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds as the situation quickly deteriorated citywide.

Miscreants attacked the district jail, attempting to break down the main gate, but were repelled by police.

Central NCP leaders sought refuge in the Deputy Commissioner’s and Police Superintendent’s offices for safety. Later, under military escort, NCP activists were safely evacuated across the Mollarhat Bridge towards Bagerhat district, according to the DC.

The administration has announced a curfew effective from 8 pm Wednesday to 6 pm Thursday in Gopalganj to maintain peace.