Thu Jul 17 13:54:26 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Clashes erupted in Bangladesh between security forces and supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a rally organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP). The violence, which left four dead and over 50 injured, prompted a heavy police presence at a subsequent NCP rally in Faridpur. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violence and promised a harsh response, but faces criticism for failing to maintain security in the divided country. An investigation has been launched. The Awami League, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Jamaat-e-Islami have all criticized the government over the violence. The situation remains volatile, with deep political divisions persisting nearly a year after Hasina’s ouster.
**News Article:**
**Bangladesh on Edge After Deadly Clashes Between Security Forces and Supporters of Ousted PM**
**Faridpur, Bangladesh** – Tensions remain high in Bangladesh after violent clashes erupted between security forces and supporters of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Gopalganj on Wednesday, resulting in four deaths and over 50 injuries. The violence occurred during a rally organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP), a new political group formed by students who spearheaded the protests that led to Hasina’s ouster last year.
In response, authorities deployed a heavy security presence to Faridpur on Thursday, the site of another planned NCP rally. Hundreds of police officers, along with army and border guard personnel, were visible throughout the city.
According to local media reports, the clashes in Gopalganj, Hasina’s ancestral home, broke out when Awami League supporters attempted to disrupt the NCP event. Witnesses reported seeing pro-Hasina activists attacking police, setting vehicles on fire, and wielding sticks.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violence and vowed a strong response. Yunus stated that the attempt to disrupt the NCP rally was a “shameful violation of their fundamental rights” and promised that the violence would “not go unpunished.” A government investigation has been launched and is expected to deliver a conclusion in two weeks.
However, the interim government is facing criticism for its perceived inability to maintain order in the deeply divided nation. Both the Awami League and the BNP have criticized the government’s handling of the situation.
Adding to the volatility, Hasina, who is currently in self-imposed exile in India, has been indicted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on charges of crimes against humanity.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further unrest as political tensions continue to simmer nearly a year after Hasina’s removal from power.