Gopalganj, typically a vibrant town, has been left eerily silent after a 22-hour curfew was imposed following violent clashes surrounding the National Citizens Party (NCP) rally. Since 8 PM on Wednesday, the city has been under lockdown, with no sign of Awami League or Chhatra League leaders and activists. The curfew has led to a total halt in public movement, with empty streets and deserted alleys becoming the new normal.
After sunset on Wednesday, major roads and lanes across Gopalganj were deserted. Scattered across the streets were bricks, sticks, burnt tires, torn BNP festoons, banners, and bamboo structures—grim reminders of the previous night’s violence. Key intersections remain under heavy surveillance, with police, army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel maintaining round-the-clock patrols. Security checkpoints have been set up, and residents are only venturing outside for emergencies, subject to strict searches by security forces.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer M. Rakibul Hasan stated, “The situation in Gopalganj is completely under control and calm. No political leaders or activists have been seen on the roads since the curfew began. Law enforcement, including four additional BGB platoons, is ensuring peace and order. So far, there have been no further untoward incidents.”
Locals report widespread anxiety, with many fearing mass arrests during the ongoing curfew. Residents, speaking by phone, confirmed the tense atmosphere and expressed concern that more arrests could follow through the night.
Tragedy hangs over the city as families mourn those killed in the unrest. Among the victims are Dipto Saha (30) of Udayan Road, Ramzan Kazi (19) of Harinahati, Sohel Rana (35) of Tungipara, and Imon from the Bherar Bazar area. Grief has engulfed their neighborhoods, with relatives and neighbors mourning their loss.
The clashes have also disrupted normal life. The local education board has postponed today’s HSC and equivalent exams due to safety concerns.
The violence erupted during the NCP’s “March to Gopalganj” program on Wednesday, which saw attacks, cocktail explosions, felled trees blocking roads, vandalism of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s vehicle, and arson of police cars. The city turned into a battlefield, resulting in at least four deaths and leaving over two hundred injured.
As the curfew continues, Gopalganj waits in uneasy silence, with residents hoping for peace to return soon.