Wed Jul 16 19:17:12 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Violence erupted in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, when Awami League members tried to disrupt a rally organized by the student-led National Citizens Party (NCP). At least three people were killed and many injured in the clashes between security forces and pro-Hasina activists. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the Awami League’s actions as a violation of fundamental rights, promising punishment. The incident highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces multiple charges and a recent prison sentence. The NCP rally was part of a nationwide campaign to establish itself as a new political force in the country, traditionally dominated by the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Elections are scheduled for April next year.

**News Article:**

**Gopalganj Violence Erupts as Awami League Disrupts NCP Rally, Interim Leader Condemns “Heinous Act”**

**GOPALGANJ, BANGLADESH -** At least three people are dead and numerous others injured after clashes broke out in Gopalganj Wednesday as members of the Awami League allegedly attempted to disrupt a rally organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP), a student-led group instrumental in last year’s ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Television footage showed pro-Hasina activists, armed with sticks, attacking police and setting vehicles ablaze as NCP leaders arrived to launch their “March to Rebuild the Nation” program. Monoj Baral, a nurse at Gopalganj District Hospital, confirmed the death toll, identifying one victim as Ramjan Sikdar. Other local media outlets have reported a higher death toll of four.

Authorities have imposed an overnight curfew in the district following the violence.

Interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who took power after Hasina’s removal, issued a statement condemning the Awami League’s actions. “This heinous act … will not go unpunished,” he declared, calling the disruption of the NCP rally “a shameful violation of their fundamental rights.”

Hasnat Abdullah, an NCP coordinator, described the attack, stating that rally attendees were forced to seek refuge at a local police station. “We don’t feel safe at all. They threatened to burn us alive,” he told AFP.

The incident underscores the continued political instability in Bangladesh following Hasina’s departure nearly a year ago. Hasina, who fled to India after the student-led uprising, faces a number of charges, including a recent six-month prison sentence for contempt of court issued in absentia.

Gopalganj holds significant political weight as the location of the mausoleum of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the country’s founding president.

The NCP’s nationwide march is part of a larger effort to position itself as a viable alternative to the traditionally dominant Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Interim leader Yunus has announced that elections are scheduled for April of next year.

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