3-hour curfew relaxation: Tension prevails in Gopalganj
People have come out of their homes during a three-hour curfew relaxation time today as a tense situation persists in Gopalganj town after the violence that took place on Wednesday.
The curfew was relaxed from 11:00am to 2:00pm today, allowing residents to come out of their houses.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Meanwhile, 45 people were detained so far in connection with the clashes occurred during a programme organised by the National Citizen Party (NCP), Gopalganj Sadar Police Station's Officer-in-charge (OC) Mir Md Sajedur Rahman told The Daily Star around 10:30am.
The curfew was imposed at 8:00pm on Wednesday to bring the situation under control. Yesterday, it was extended indefinitely, with a three-hour break today, according to the home ministry.
Kazi Shamim Hasan, a trader at Chourangi, said that his earning had stopped yesterday as he could not open his shop at the time of curfew.
Zillur Rahman, a resident of Sonakour under Gopalganj municipality, came to Chourangi area to buy essentials. He told The Daily Star, "I couldn't leave home for the past two days. I had some urgent shopping to do. There are very few people on the streets. You can feel a sense of fear in the air. I'm a bit anxious for this reason."
Despite the tension, the kitchen markets witnessed some activity. However, there was little movement of the private vehicles on the roads, with only a handful of rickshaws and battery-run easy bikes seen operating.
No army patrols were spotted in the town areas during the relaxed curfew period.
Around 10:00am, this correspondent visited key areas including Chourangi intersection, Launch Ghat, Poura Park, Court premises, and the Sadar Hospital, witnessing minimal public presence. Except for pharmacies, fruit shops, and eateries, most businesses remained closed.
A 200-member team from Barishal's Armed Police Battalion (APBn) was seen patrolling various streets including College Road and Chourangi. The team, led by Gopalganj Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Watch) Ruhul Amin Sardar, checked pedestrian's IDs and allowed them to pass after verification.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Sardar said, "The situation in the town is currently under control. We are ensuring that no shops remain open during curfew hours. Legal actions are being taken only against those involved in criminal activities, ordinary citizens are not being harassed."
On Wednesday, at least four people were killed and dozens injured in daylong running battles between law enforcers and Awami League followers in Gopalganj.
Comments