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After a tense and fearful night on Wednesday following mayhem over the NCP programme, an uneasy calm prevailed in the curfew-bound Gopalganj town on Thursday while government authorities launched anti-violence action.
The ongoing curfew in Gopalganj will continue with a pause from 11 am to 2 pm today (Friday).
A total of 25 persons were arrested by the police on suspicion of involvement in violence, as stated by SP of Gopalganj Md Mizanur Rahman, to the FE, but no cases were filed yet.
Gopalganj town descended into chaos on Wednesday during a rally organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP) as part of their July March, commemorating last year's uprising that toppled the Awami League government.
At least four people were killed and nine sustained bullet wounds, while over 50 others were injured in clashes between the attackers and law enforcement.
Awami League activists allegedly carried out attacks and clashed repeatedly with law-enforcing agencies, resulting in at least four deaths during the four-hour-long turmoil.
NCP leaders, who had sought refuge inside the police superintendent's office, later departed Gopalganj in armoured army vehicles
Meanwhile, the government has established a committee to investigate the acts of violence and deaths that occurred in Gopalganj on Wednesday.
Nasimul Ghani, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, will lead the committee.
He will be supported by two additional secretaries, one from the Ministry of Public Administration and another from the Ministry of Law and Justice, according to a spokesperson for the CA Office.
The committee has been tasked with conducting "a thorough inquiry" and submitting its findings to the Chief Adviser's Office within two weeks.
In Gopalganj, the paternal hometown of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina, a few people appeared on Thursday in the streets and markets of the district because of the extended curfew.
News from bdnews24.com adds, the Bangladesh Army has said it was forced to act in self-defence during the political violence in Gopalganj after multiple warnings on the loudspeaker failed to stop a wave of attacks.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said, "Troops came under assault with crude bombs and brickbats while trying to contain unrest surrounding an NCP rally."
The military's media wing described the overall security situation in Gopalganj as "stable", but urged the public not to be misled by what it called "rumours or propaganda".
The ISPR said an unruly mob carried out organised attacks in Gopalganj Sadar on Jul 16, during a rally called as part of the NCP's 'July March'.
Several police personnel and journalists were injured in the early stages of the unrest.
"Government vehicles were torched and major installations vandalised," it adds.
According to the statement, the situation deteriorated rapidly, prompting army and police units to intervene and regain initial control on the ground.
"The rally stage came under fresh attack during the event, while the district jail was also stormed and heavily vandalised," the statement reads.
The ISPR notes that the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and police jointly dispersed the "rioters".
"Afterwards, under the Army's supervision, people who had taken shelter at the superintendent of police's office in Gopalganj were relocated to Khulna," it says.
"Law-enforcing agencies, displaying professionalism and restraint, restored order and ensured public safety."
BSS adds, Home Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Retd.) Thursday vowed to arrest all involved in the attack on the top leaders of the NCP in Gopalganj.
"They that have committed crimes will be arrested. There is no question of sparing them. A total of 25 suspects have so far been arrested in this connection," he said while briefing newsmen at the Home Ministry in Dhaka on the Gopalganj incident.
Jahangir said, "The situation in Gopalganj is now normal."
In response to a question about any new operation to be launched to capture the perpetrators of the Gopalganj incident, he said a nationwide combing operation is currently going on.
"The combing operation will continue until the terrorists are arrested," he said.
Meanwhile, human rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed its concern and strongly condemned the attack on NCP's political gathering in Gopalganj and the death of four in clashes.
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