Four Dead in Bangladesh Following Clashes in Former PM Hasina’s Hometown
At least four individuals lost their lives in Bangladesh on Wednesday due to violent confrontations between police and supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to local authorities.
On that day, Bangladeshi security forces engaged with Hasina’s backers, resulting in a death toll of at least four and numerous injuries, as reported by a hospital official and local news outlets.
The unrest began in the morning and escalated when a new political party, formed by students who led last year’s uprising against Hasina, announced plans for a march towards Gopalgani district in southwestern Bangladesh—Hasina’s ancestral region and a stronghold of her Awami League party.
Television footage depicted pro-Hasina supporters armed with sticks launching attacks on police and setting vehicles ablaze as around 20 vehicles transporting leaders from the National Citizen Party arrived for commemorative events related to the uprising.
Prominent figures from the party sought refuge within the local police chief’s office while videos showed some being escorted by soldiers to an armored vehicle for protection.
Jibitesh Biswas, a senior official at a state-run hospital, informed reporters that three deceased had been admitted. The Daily Star, the country’s leading English-language newspaper, confirmed four fatalities. Subsequently, authorities enforced an overnight curfew in the district.
The clashes were ignited when members of Hasina’s Awami League attempted to disrupt a rally organized by the National Citizens Party (NCP), which includes many students who played pivotal roles during last year’s protests.
As reported by Monoj Baral, a nurse at Gopalganj District Hospital, four people were killed amid police involvement while 17 others suffered various injuries, including gunshot wounds.
One identified victim was Ramjan Sikdar; families retrieved two other bodies from the hospital premises.
In response to these developments, Gopalganj officials instituted a curfew following the outbreak of violence.
Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus condemned the disruption of the NCP rally as “a shameful violation of their fundamental rights.” His office issued a statement asserting that “this heinous act… will not go unpunished.”
The NCP was set to conduct this rally as part of their nationwide “July March” initiative commemorating the anniversary of last year’s uprising.
Gopalganj is considered an Awami League stronghold; it is notable that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman—the founding president of Bangladesh—originated from this district and that Hasina has also contested elections here.
According to Hasnat Abdullah, an NCP coordinator, attendees sought shelter in a police station after being assaulted. “We don’t feel safe at all. They threatened to burn us alive,” he expressed to AFP.
In light of this violence, the NCP has called for a blockade.
