A series of violent attacks on the top leadership of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) in Gopalganj reportedly took place under the direct instructions of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina . The attacks were allegedly intended to sabotage the NCP’s “March to Gopalganj” program scheduled for July 16, with armed assaults reported in various locations.
According to the master plan, thousands of Awami League activists were mobilized in and around Gopalganj city two days prior to the event. The reported objective was clear: let the NCP enter, but not leave alive particularly targeting the top leadership for assassination.
To ensure the mission’s success, Sheikh Hasina, currently in India after her ousting by a people’s uprising, allegedly communicated via mobile phone with several local leaders in Gopalganj. She also reportedly sent a series of voice messages aimed at inciting the public against the NCP.
Multiple senior Awami League figures are said to have coordinated the plan’s execution on the ground. In an escalated move, exiled Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain is reported to have issued direct orders for violence through a Facebook Live broadcast.
Leaked Audio Recordings Point to Direct Orders
In one audio clip obtained by Jugantor, Sheikh Hasina is heard instructing Ataur Rahman Piyal, the general secretary of the now-banned Gopalganj district unit of the Chhatra League, saying:
“They (NCP) are planning to come to Gopalganj. They’ve already destroyed the 32 No. house, and now they say they’ll vandalize my father’s grave in Tungipara. Why are you all still sitting? Stop them by any means. Do not let them enter Gopalganj or organize any events. Make sure no one returns unharmed from Gopalganj soil.”
In another recording, she allegedly tells Newton Mollah, the banned president of the Gopalganj Chhatra League:
“What are you doing just sitting there? They’re gathering people from Pirojpur, Bagerhat, Khulna, Faridpur, and surrounding districts to enter Gopalganj and head to Tungipara. Stop them at all costs. If they manage to enter Tungipara, make sure not one of them gets out alive.”
Coordinated Attacks and Violent Escalation Against NCP
The day after the alleged phone calls, attacks began to unfold. On Wednesday morning, during NCP’s scheduled event at the Gopalganj Municipal Park, Ataur Rahman Piyal led an assault on police vehicles in Char Durgapur, including arson and vandalism. This clearly signaled the Awami League and its affiliates’ intention to block the peaceful NCP program.
Later, under Piyal’s direction, several rounds of gunfire and bomb attacks were launched at the convoy of NCP leaders. Simultaneously, Newton Mollah allegedly led attacks on the District Commissioner’s office and the local prison.
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Local sources confirm that Newton’s key target was to break open the prison gate and free detained Awami League leader GM Shahabuddin Azam and other activists. However, police and military intervention prevented this from succeeding.
Additionally, Masud Rana, acting president of Gopalganj District Jubo League, allegedly led an attack on the vehicle of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).
Broad-Level Coordination and High-Level Involvement
Sources claim Sheikh Hasina not only contacted Chhatra League leaders but also instructed leaders from Awami League’s other wings—Jubo League, Swechhasebak League, Sramik League, Krishok League, Mohila League, and more. The mission was clear: under no circumstances should the NCP be allowed to hold its program in Gopalganj.
The coordination extended beyond borders. From Kolkata, Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim (Hasina’s cousin and a former MP of Gopalganj-2) allegedly oversaw planning, along with Abdur Rahman (former MP of Faridpur-1) from London, Iqbal Hossain Apu (former MP of Shariatpur-1), and Gopalganj District Awami League leaders Mahbub Ali Khan and Shafiqul Alam Kajol.
Exiled Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain reportedly organized student activists across the region via online platforms. Shafiqul Alam Kajol’s wife, Yasmin Alam—a local Mohila Awami League leader—allegedly mobilized women for participation until she was arrested by police on Tuesday evening.
NCP’s Ongoing Movement and Planned Program
Since July 1, the NCP has been conducting a nationwide movement titled “July Journey to Rebuild the Nation.” As part of this, the Gopalganj event was set for Wednesday. On Tuesday, the party had officially announced the “16 July: March to Gopalganj” event through its verified Facebook page. After Gopalganj, the team had plans to continue their program in Jajira, Shariatpur.
Grave Vandalism Rumor Sparks Outrage
Local sources confirm that rumors were deliberately spread claiming the NCP planned to vandalize the grave of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Tungipara. These false claims circulated across social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube, both nationally and internationally, to incite emotion-driven public resistance.
Misinformation via Loudspeakers Fuels Public Fury
Eyewitnesses say that Chhatra League members used loudspeakers at the historic Court Mosque near the Municipal Park to spread provocative and false messages. They claimed security forces were shooting civilians indiscriminately, resulting in many deaths. These lies enraged the public, leading many to join in the violence. Prior to the attack, people were bussed in from surrounding villages like Ghosher Char, Char Manikdaha, Dumdia, Haridaspur, Ulibpur, Paikgachha, and more to join the crowd.
Attack on the NCP Rally
By early afternoon, the NCP convoy reached Gopalganj city via Dhaka-Mawa-Tekerhat-Faridpur-Barisal highway. As they arrived, Awami League affiliates attacked the stage, destroyed banners, and set fire to materials. Chanting “Joy Bangla,” attackers smashed sound systems, microphones, and chairs, launching assaults on NCP activists.
Road Blockades to Prevent Movement
Once rumors spread that NCP would head to Tungipara, over 100 trees were felled across a 20-kilometer stretch to block roads. Makeshift checkpoints were set up with knives, sticks, and other weapons. These acts were reportedly based on false rumors, as the NCP had no scheduled event in Tungipara.
