Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) began their scheduled rally in Gopalganj today, just moments after the venue was allegedly vandalised by members of the banned Awami League (AL) and its student wing, Chhatra League (BCL).
The incident occurred around 1:35pm at the municipal park area in Gopalganj town. Officer-in-Charge of Gopalganj Sadar Police Station, Mir Md Sajedur Rahman, confirmed the timing of the attack, though he did not comment on the identities of the perpetrators.
According to eyewitnesses and party officials, a group of individuals stormed the rally venue shortly before the arrival of top NCP leaders. The attackers reportedly damaged the stage, tore down banners, broke microphones and sound equipment, and scattered chairs. No injuries were reported, but the scene left the rally in disarray.
Despite the attack, NCP leaders proceeded with the programme. Convener Nahid Islam, along with party leaders Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, and Tasnim Jara, addressed a determined crowd from the partially restored stage. The speakers condemned the attack and vowed to continue their political activities in the face of intimidation and obstruction.
Today’s rally is part of NCP’s ongoing month-long programme, Desh Gorte July Podojatra (July March to Build the Nation), which began on 1 July. The initiative aims to mobilise citizens across all 64 districts and raise awareness on democratic reform, state accountability, and people’s rights in the wake of last year’s July Uprising.
“This is not just an attack on NCP—it’s an attack on democracy itself,” said Hasnat Abdullah during his speech. “But we will not retreat. Our march for justice and reform will continue.”
NCP officials have demanded immediate investigation into the incident and called on the local administration to ensure safety for peaceful political activities. As of filing this report, no arrests have been made in connection with the vandalism.
Gopalganj, the ancestral district of the ruling Awami League’s top leadership, remains a politically sensitive area, and today’s events have added further tension to the already heated political atmosphere.
The July March is scheduled to continue until 20 July with district-level rallies, public dialogues, and solidarity events planned nationwide.
