Section 144 imposed in Gopalganj after attack on NCP Motorcade
Jul 16, 2025
Tensions erupted in Gopalganj on Wednesday as a violent attack on the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) motorcade led to the imposition of Section 144, restricting public gatherings in the area. The situation unfolded following the conclusion of an NCP rally, which was marred by chaos and violence.
According to reports, shortly after the NCP wrapped up its rally, a group of armed assailants surrounded the motorcade carrying NCP leaders and activists. The attackers, believed to be supporters of the Awami League, blocked vehicles and attempted to prevent their movement. This prompted a response from law enforcement and military personnel, who fired sound grenades and blank rounds to disperse the crowd.
Despite the attempts to control the situation, some NCP leaders managed to reroute their vehicles and leave the scene safely. NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari accused the Awami League of orchestrating the attack and criticized the police and military for their delayed response.
“We were told everything was under control, but when we arrived, it was not,” Patwari told reporters, expressing his frustration with the handling of the situation.
The violence reportedly began around 1:45 PM, when a group of individuals carrying sticks approached the rally venue. The attackers vandalized chairs, tore down banners, and created disorder, leading to heightened tensions.
Local authorities, including Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman, arrived shortly after and helped NCP activists chase down the attackers, who fled the scene. However, despite the clashes, the NCP resumed its rally later in the day, undeterred by the violence.
In response to the unrest, the local administration imposed Section 144 in Gopalganj, barring large gatherings in the area in an effort to restore peace and maintain order.