Worsening Gopalganj unrest persists as authorities refrain from employing fatal force, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In the ongoing unrest in Gopalganj, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam has emphasised the reinforcement of personnel in the area, aiming to manage the volatile situation. The IGP made his statement to reporters tonight, highlighting that the strategy does not involve the use of lethal force.
The unrest in Gopalganj, a stronghold of Sheikh Hasina's banned Awami League party, has been prolonged due to deep-rooted political and social tensions. The violence erupted following a rally by the newly formed National Citizens Party (NCP) commemorating the uprising that ousted Hasina from power 11 months ago.
The clashes between Hasina's supporters and the NCP have been fuelled by organized political factions with longstanding rivalries. The escalating violence has led to fatalities and injuries, with at least four people dying and dozens being injured. Security forces, although active, have refrained from using lethal force themselves, limiting their ability to swiftly suppress violent clashes.
The government's recent transition, under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has led to a politically charged environment marked by increasing polarization and distrust. This makes it harder to restore order quickly, as the interim government is seen as controversial by many factions.
The violence also involves armed youths and coordinated attacks on convoys and protest venues, making law enforcement efforts complicated and dangerous without exacerbating civilian casualties.
The IGP's strategy in Gopalganj focuses on reinforcing the area with additional personnel, prioritising restraint and patience. However, the IGP did not specify a timeline for bringing the unrest under control.
References: [1] BBC News, "Gopalganj unrest: At least four dead in Bangladesh clashes," 15 July 2023. [online] Available at:
The unrest in Gopalganj, a focal point of the politically charged environment in the country, has escalated due to deep-rooted general-news issues, including political tensions and organized crime-and-justice factions. The ongoing violence, involving armed youths and coordinated attacks, is making law enforcement challenging without causing unnecessary civilian casualties.
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