Gopalganj clashes: Adviser cites intel gaps, army says self-defence force use
A wave of violence in Gopalganj on Wednesday, July 16, prompted a robust response from the Bangladesh Army, which was forced to use force in self-defence after failing to quell attacks with non-lethal measures.
Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that intelligence agencies had partial forewarning of potential unrest but were unprepared for the scale of the violence, which claimed at least four lives and led to a 22-hour curfew.
The adviser vowed that all perpetrators would face arrest, with 25 suspects already detained.
The unrest erupted around a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally at Municipal Park.
Alleged supporters of the banned Awami League, Chhatra League, and Juba League attacked the rally stage around 1:30pm, vandalising equipment and setting it ablaze.
The violence escalated as the NCP convoy was ambushed with brickbats and crude bombs around 2:30pm, injuring police, journalists, and NCP leaders. The district jail and government vehicles were also targeted, turning Gopalganj into a battleground.
A press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) detailed the army’s response: “Despite repeated announcements via microphone to stop the attackers, they hurled cocktails and bricks at the army, forcing us to use force in self-defence.”
The army, alongside Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), dispersed the rioters and restored order. NCP leaders, including convener Nahid Islam, were safely evacuated to Khulna under military escort by 7:00pm.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Thursday, July 17, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury admitted, “Intelligence agencies had some information about the Gopalganj incident, but not about the scale it would reach.”
Responding to NCP claims of law enforcement failure, he remarked, “Everyone will have their own opinions, but what matters is how we act going forward.”
He emphasised that instructions were issued to prevent future incidents and confirmed that the situation in Gopalganj is now stable, with a curfew from 8:00pm Wednesday to 6:00pm Thursday in effect.
The adviser reported that 25 individuals have been arrested, with 10 police personnel injured, two of whom are receiving treatment at Rajarbagh Police Hospital.
A nationwide combing operation is underway to apprehend those responsible, with Jahangir asserting, “There is no question of sparing those who committed wrongdoing.”
The ISPR praised the patience of Gopalganj’s residents, urging them to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid rumours. “The army is committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty and public security,” the release stated, highlighting the coordinated efforts of the army, BGB, police, and RAB.
However, posts on social media reflect polarised sentiments. Some users accused the army of using excessive force against unarmed protesters, alleging ties between the interim government and groups like Jamaat-e-Islami. Others claimed the violence was orchestrated to suppress Awami League supporters. These claims remain unverified and highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding the incident.
The interim government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with NCP leaders and activists demanding accountability for both the attackers and allegedly uncooperative police forces.
The violence, which left four dead and many injured, underscores the challenges of maintaining law and order in a politically volatile climate.