Protesters block Shahbagh over attack on NCP rally in Gopalganj

In response to the attack on National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders in Gopalganj by supporters of the Awami League during the party’s July March programme, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, National Citizen Party, and students have jointly blockaded the Shahbagh intersection.

At around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, NCP activists, alongside students and members of the public, gathered at Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, bringing vehicular movement to a standstill. The demonstration caused severe traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.

Sohel Rana, joint member secretary of Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, said, “This is not a political movement. Students and citizens have taken a stand at Shahbagh to protest the attack by Awami League supporters on July fighters in Gopalganj. Activists from the NCP and other student organizations are also present.”

The unrest began earlier in the day following an NCP meeting held in Gopalganj.

On their way back from the event, the NCP motorcade was attacked by individuals alleged to be leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its student wing, the Chhatra League.

The violence escalated into confrontations during which police and army personnel fired shots to control the worsening law and order situation.