6 platoons of BGB deployed in Gopalganj amid tensions over Awami League’s demonstrations

Six platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in Gopalganj to maintain law and order and ensure public security as leaders and activists of Awami League (now facing ban on activities) and its affiliated organisations staged a protest rally in the district on Sunday.

The troops have been deployed to maintain the overall law and order situation in the district, according to a press release issued by BGB Headquarters on Sunday.

The BGB members will perform their assigned duties in coordination with other law enforcement agencies following the demand and advice of the district magistrate, it said.

Meanwhile, several hundred leaders, activists and supporters of Awami League and its affiliated organisations joined the demonstration to make the party’s November 19 lockdown programme a success, said witnesses.

Some video footages purportedly showing AL activists carrying sticks in Gopalganj also surfaced but their authenticity could not be independently verified.

This was the first public protest procession by the party in the district since its political activities were banned.

Awami League activists and supporters entered the town from different unions carrying locally made weapons, including sticks and oars, and chanting slogans such as “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu”, said witnesses.

At one stage, they put up a banner bearing the name ‘Government Bangabandhu College’ at the gate of Gopalganj Government College and later unlocked the district Awami League office.

At one stage, the protesters vandalised the July Memorial near Sheikh Kamal Stadium and set it on fire.

They also tore down banners and festoons of the BNP in front of the municipal office, piled them up on the road and set them ablaze.

The protesters also set fire to tyres, bamboo and wood at different locations including the launch terminal, Gopalganj Government College and the Press Club.

Earlier on Saturday night, two offices of the BNP and its youth wing ubo Dal were vandalised and set on fire in Tungipara upazila.

According to locals Awami League activists brought out separate processions carrying sticks and chanting slogans, including “Joy Bangla” and “Joy Bangabandhu”.

At Nilfa Bazar, they allegedly attacked the BNP office, vandalised its furniture and other belongings before setting it on fire.

Besides, at Barni Bazar, they vandalised a Jubo Dal office.

The incidents spread panic in the area, forcing traders to shut their shops.

Gopalganj district BNP Convener Sharif Rafiquzzaman said he had learned about the vandalism and arson at the party office and was looking into the matter.

Contacted, Officer-in-Charge of Tungipara Police Station, Md Ayub Ali said he was unaware of the incidents.