Troops in Gopalganj used force in self-defence after warnings failed, says ISPR

The Bangladesh Army has said it was forced to act in self-defence during the political violence in Gopalganj after multiple warnings on loudspeaker failed to stop a wave of attacks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said troops came under assault with crude bombs and brickbats while trying to contain unrest surrounding a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally, reports bdnews24.com.

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 a disorderly 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 added.

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,” it read.

The ISPR noted 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 said.

“Law-enforcing agencies, displaying professionalism and restraint, restored order and ensured public safety.”

The ISPR did not specify which political group was behind the attacks, nor did it provide any information on casualties.

Wednesday’s rally in Gopalganj erupted into chaos following an attack by the Awami League activists.

Clashes between party activists and security forces raged for five hours, turning the town into a battlefield.

At least four people were killed in the violence. Senior NCP leaders, who were trapped inside the police superintendent’s office, were later evacuated in armoured Army vehicles.

NCP Convenor Nahid Islam said the situation could have been less severe if the administration and intelligence agencies had taken “the right steps at the right time”.

A curfew was imposed from 8pm Wednesday until 6pm Thursday due to the violence.

The interim government decided to extend the curfew after it ended on Thursday.

The home ministry said the curfew would be briefly relaxed on Friday between 11am and 2pm but would remain in place until further notice.

“The overall security situation in Gopalganj is now under control and the curfew imposed by the administration remains in effect,” the ISPR said.

“The Army, BGB, police, [Rapid Action Battalion], and other administrative bodies are working in close coordination.”

The public in Gopalganj showed great patience during the political unrest, supporting the Army in maintaining order, the statement said.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty and ensuring public safety at all times.