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Published : 16 Jul 2025, 11:18 PM
The Anti-discrimination Student Movement has issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the arrest of what it termed “Awami terrorists” involved in attacks on National Citizen Party (NCP) activists in Gopalganj, warning of a tougher movement if its demands are not met.
The group’s President Rifat Rashid also demanded the immediate issuance of the “July Proclamation” at a press briefing on Wednesday.
“What began in Gopalganj,” he said, “is a result of the conspiracy between autocratic Sheikh Hasina and Delhi. They’ve effectively created a proxy state within Gopalganj.”
“The sovereignty of that area is now controlled by Hasina and the looters seated on Delhi’s throne, who have always sought to undermine Bangladesh’s independence. Let us make this clear: we will not allow this proxy-state game to continue.”
The group’s three demands are:
• Immediate issuance of the July Declaration.
• Dismantling of the “Awami policing” structure and reform of the entire system
• Launch of a nationwide crackdown within 24 hours, including in Gopalganj, to arrest all active Awami League-linked attackers
“We want to make it absolutely clear: not a single Awami League terrorist will be allowed to evade justice. We are issuing this 24-hour ultimatum,” Rifat said.
“In doing so, we’re temporarily withdrawing the ongoing blockade and will closely monitor the crackdown efforts.”
“If the joint forces fail, then one year after the July Uprising, the student masses will once again return to the streets stronger than before, and bring Bangladesh to a complete halt,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the situation in Gopalganj deteriorated rapidly as violence erupted before NCP leaders entered the city with their motorcade.
The unrest reportedly began with attacks and arson targeting a police vehicle, followed by an attack on the car of the Upazila Nirbahi (executive) Officer (UNO).
By around 1:30pm, members of the banned Awami League and its student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, marched into municipal park shouting “Joy Bangla” and stormed the NCP’s rally stage.
After a brief assembly, NCP leaders began departing for Madaripur under police escort via Tekerhat.
However, around 2:45pm, another attack occurred near Gopalganj Government College in the Launch Ghat area.
Violent clashes followed between Awami League and Chhatra League activists and law enforcers, including the Army, as the town descended into chaos.
At least four people were reported killed in the violence.
Several senior NCP leaders took shelter at the office of the police superintendent and were later evacuated by the military.
The local administration imposed Section 144 at noon, banning all public gatherings and assemblies.
As the situation remained volatile, a curfew was declared in the evening.
