Police vehicle torched during Chhatra League blockade in Tungipara, Gopalganj tense
In Tungipara, Gopalganj, repeated chases and clashes broke out between police and protesters centred on a logi-boitha procession by the banned Chhatra League. At one point, while trying to control the situation, the protesters set fire to a police vehicle.
At around 10:30am on Tuesday, a large number of activists gathered at Tungipara Mor carrying sticks and logi-boitha, set fire to tyres on the road and began protesting. Awami League and Jubo League activists later joined them.
The blockade programme called by Chhatra League also led to tyres being set alight and roads being blocked in the Patgati bus stand area of Tungipara upazila from Tuesday morning, creating tension in the area.
When the protesters tried to block the road, police obstructed them, which sparked the clash between the two sides. At one point, when the law enforcement vehicle was set on fire, intense panic spread through the area.
The protesters remained at Tungipara Mor and nearby roads, chanting slogans. On receiving the news, a large number of additional police and special force personnel were rushed to Tungipara from the Gopalganj district headquarters to bring the situation under control.
A tense and extremely charged atmosphere prevails there now. Police and special force personnel have taken position in the area and are keeping the situation under watch.
Earlier, around the announced programme, attempts were made on Monday night to create instability by exploding cocktails in various important areas of the district town.
Cocktails were exploded one after another in front of the entrance of the district school, the wall of the Government Mohila College, the regional passport office and the gate of the Government Technical School and College, spreading panic among ordinary people.
In addition, activists of the banned organisation blocked the Dhaka-Khulna highway by setting fire at Betgram point, and torch processions and cocktail explosions also took place in Kotalipara upazila.
On the overall law and order situation, Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Md Habibullah said eight people have already been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Monday night's sabotage and violence.
Police also seized seven motorcycles from the scenes and recovered 15 live unexploded cocktails.
He noted that apart from the unfortunate isolated incident in Tungipara on Tuesday morning, the overall situation in the district is currently normal and under control.
