Curfew extended, fresh case filed against 400

The Gopalganj district administration extended the ongoing curfew till Sunday morning as tensions continue to run high following deadly clashes that erupted during a rally of the National Citizen Party (NCP) earlier this week.

According to officials, the curfew - which had been temporarily relaxed for 14 hours on Saturday - was reimposed from 8:00 pm Saturday to 6:00 am Sunday to maintain law and order amid ongoing tensions.

Sources say the situation across the district remains tense, with streets largely deserted, most businesses closed, and residents gripped by fear.

The curfew was first imposed after violent clashes broke out during the NCP's rally on Wednesday, attacked by activists of the Awami League and its now-banned student wing, the Chhatra League.

At least five people were killed in the violence, prompting authorities to clamp down with strict measures.

Despite a brief window of curfew relaxation from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday, normalcy remains elusive. While some shops reopened, most businesses stayed closed due to fear and the weekly holiday. Public transport resumed partially, but movement across the town remained limited.

Meanwhile, police filed a new case on Friday night in connection with the violence.

Sub-Inspector Shamim Al Mamun of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station filed the case under the Anti-Terrorism Act, naming 54 individuals and accusing another 350 unidentified people.

"The charges include arson attacks on police vehicles and obstruction of public roads using felled logs on Satpar Road in Sadar upazila on July 16," said Officer-in-Charge Mir Mohammad Sajedur Rahman.

Police also arrested 119 more individuals in the last 24 hours, raising the total number of arrests across the district to 283. So far, four cases have been filed over the violence, naming over 2,500 people. Among the accused are leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations.

Security forces including the police, RAB, and BGB remain deployed across key points in the district town to maintain order. Internet services in some areas remain restricted to prevent the spread of rumours.

Residents expressed deep concern over the volatile situation. "Even during the relaxation hours, the streets felt uneasy. No one knows when things might flare up again," said a local trader in Gopalganj Sadar.

Gopalganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate Muhammad Kamruzzaman said, "We are closely monitoring the situation. The curfew will continue as needed to maintain law and order."

As of Saturday evening, no fresh incidents were reported, but fear and uncertainty continue to cast a shadow over Gopalganj.

alimuzzaman81@gmail.com