Violence envelops a youth gathering in Bangladesh, killing four people

Violent clashes erupted in Gopalganj on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least four people and injuries to dozens more as Awami League (AL) supporters engaged in confrontations with law enforcement officials throughout the day.
The unrest unfolded ahead of a rally organized by the National Citizen Party (NCP) at Poura Park in Gopalganj town—an area already tense due to recent political developments.The government has banned the AL's political activities in Gopalganj, where Sheikh Hasina, the expelled AL leader, is from.
In the Ulpur region of Sadar upazila, AL supporters began blocking roads in the early morning hours by chopping down trees with sticks and other indigenous weapons.They set a government vehicle on fire and damaged another. They later also vandalized the NCP rally field.
Post-rally violence erupted as AL members reportedly launched a sudden attack on the NCP motorcade. In response to the violence, the government imposed a curfew in Gopalganj from 8:00pm Tuesday to 6:00pm Wednesday.
As a safety measure, HSC, Alim, and HSC (Vocational) exams in the district were postponed, according to notices issued by relevant education boards late Tuesday night.
Gopalganj Civil Surgeon Dr. Abu Sayeed Md Faruk confirmed four fatalities: Dipto Saha, Ramzan Kazi, Sohel, and Emon—all residents of Gopalganj Sadar upazila.Dipto and Ramzan reportedly died from bullet wounds, and at least eight others were undergoing surgery for similar injuries.
According to witnesses, several people were injured when security personnel opened fire to scatter demonstrators. Families of the victims expressed shock and indignation, and they sought justice.
The violence began before the rally as 200–300 individuals, believed to be AL or banned Chhatra League supporters, stormed the rally venue, damaged property, and detonated crude bombs. Police temporarily withdrew during the attack, but later returned with NCP activists to drive the assailants away.
Despite the initial confrontations, the rally proceeded without incident. However, other incidents later on occurred when NCP activists traveling towards Chowrangi area were attacked by gunmen. Police and army personnel intervened, using sound grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the rioters.NCP leaders were removed in a Bangladesh Army Armoured Personnel Carrier.
In the wake, Section 144 was clamped down, and four platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were mobilized to bring law and order back. Vehicles of law enforcers were also vandalized in several incidents throughout the day, and government officials and police personnel were injured.
Additional Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Dhaka Range Mohammad Abdul Mabud confirmed that “armed criminals” had attacked the NCP rally, injuring several including law enforcement personnel and journalists. He stated police had not used lethal force, but only tear gas and rubber bullets.
The NCP held protests in districts including Chattogram and Noakhali, condemning the attack and demanding justice. NCP Convener Nahid Islam accused AL supporters of launching a deliberate and deadly assault on their motorcade. Despite the violence, the NCP plans to continue its scheduled month-long program, with a rally in Faridpur next.
In a forceful condemnation of the attack, the Chief Adviser's Office declared it "utterly indefensible" and promised responsibility. The BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami were among the opposition groups that voiced their concern over the violence. In addition to adopting additional security measures, authorities are currently looking into what caused the deaths.