In Bangladesh, tensions are rising as supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have launched a series of protests against the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The protests turned violent in Gopalganj, resulting in several casualties, with four people reported dead and nine others injured. In response to the escalating unrest, tanks were deployed on the streets and curfews were imposed in the region to restore order.

Clashes Erupt in Gopalganj

The protests began when supporters of Hasina’s Awami League clashed with the National Citizens Party (NCP) members, who back the interim government of Muhammad Yunus. These confrontations quickly escalated into violent clashes. According to local reports, the altercation took place during an NCP rally when Awami League activists allegedly attacked the protesters. In the ensuing chaos, police opened fire on the demonstrators, leading to fatalities.

At least four people have died, with three of the victims identified as Dipto Saha (25), Ramzan Kazi (18), and Sohel Molla (41). The local hospital confirmed that all nine injured individuals were shot during the protests. The situation in Gopalganj is tense, with the police taking strict action against the perpetrators of the violence. The authorities have also deployed 200 Border Guard Bangladesh personnel to maintain control in the area.

The Political Landscape Behind the Violence

The political backdrop of this unrest is linked to the power struggle between Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. In particular, the rise of the National Citizens Party (NCP) has played a central role in the protests. The NCP was formed in late February 2025 by Naheed Islam, a former adviser to Yunus’ interim government. NCP has garnered significant support from Yunus’ government, and the party has been actively pushing for reforms across the country.

In Gopalganj, the birthplace of Sheikh Hasina, the political tensions have been particularly intense. The region is also home to the memorial of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of the nation, making it a significant political hotspot. The NCP’s student wing, during their rally, allegedly made derogatory remarks against Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which led to an immediate backlash from Hasina’s supporters.

As tensions escalated, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Police opened fire on protesters to curb the violence, but this only led to further unrest. Tanks were called in, and curfews were enforced across Gopalganj in an attempt to restore order. The authorities have arrested several members of the Awami League who were suspected of involvement in the violence.

The Growing Divides in Bangladesh’s Politics

The unrest in Gopalganj is a reflection of the growing political divides in Bangladesh. The formation of the NCP and its alliance with the interim government has given rise to fresh opposition to Hasina’s rule. The NCP, which is rapidly gaining ground, has been calling for the marginalization of Hasina’s party from Bangladesh’s political landscape.

The NCP has claimed that the Awami League has been involved in violent attacks against their members, a claim which has further fueled the protests. At the same time, Hasina’s supporters have accused the Yunus government of failing to provide security and suppressing peaceful demonstrations.

What Mohamed Yunus Said About the Violence

In response to the ongoing violence, interim government leader Muhammad Yunus expressed his condemnation of the clashes. Yunus took to social media to express his concern about the crackdown on peaceful protests, emphasizing that the rights of the youth to express themselves should not be hindered.

Yunus condemned the violence and called for the immediate identification and prosecution of the perpetrators. He also expressed support for the students who continued to demonstrate despite the threats and intimidations they faced. Yunus remarked, “The crackdown on peaceful protests is a shameful violation of the fundamental rights of our youth. We must ensure that those responsible for these criminal acts are brought to justice.”

However, despite Yunus’ condemnation, there have been no videos or solid evidence proving that the NCP’s rally was indeed the target of violence. This lack of visual proof has raised questions in the media about whether the violence was actually a targeted attack against Hasina’s supporters.

A Region in Turmoil

Gopalganj, a district that is deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s political history, has become the epicenter of this political unrest. The region holds significant historical importance, being the birthplace of Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and home to his memorial. The political significance of this region has turned it into a flashpoint for opposing factions.

The presence of tanks and curfews in Gopalganj is an indication of the severity of the violence. With heavy military and police presence on the streets, the situation is far from resolved, and the uncertainty continues to loom over the region. Many fear that the unrest in Gopalganj could spread to other parts of the country, escalating tensions between the supporters of Hasina’s party and the forces backing the interim government.

The Wider Political Implications

The events unfolding in Bangladesh are not just about a localized protest in Gopalganj. The confrontation between Hasina’s Awami League and the interim government’s supporters has larger implications for the country’s political future. The violence in Gopalganj reflects the underlying political tensions in Bangladesh, with both sides accusing each other of undermining democracy and resorting to violence.

As Bangladesh prepares for future elections, the situation remains highly volatile. The growing discontent among various political factions, combined with the widespread protests and violence, is likely to have a lasting impact on the country’s political stability. Many observers believe that unless the situation is addressed quickly, the unrest could spiral out of control, affecting both the political landscape and the social fabric of the nation.

What Lies Ahead for Bangladesh?

With curfews in place and military personnel stationed in Gopalganj, the immediate future of the region remains uncertain. The violence has highlighted the deep political divides within Bangladesh, with both the government and the opposition blaming each other for the unrest. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be critical for both sides to find a peaceful resolution to avoid further bloodshed.

In the coming weeks, the government and the opposition will likely intensify their campaigns, with both sides aiming to secure public support. The role of social media in these protests also cannot be underestimated, as it has become a powerful tool for organizing and rallying supporters, even in the face of government crackdowns.

As the political crisis in Bangladesh deepens, all eyes will remain on Gopalganj and other key regions to see how the situation unfolds. Will the government succeed in restoring order, or will the opposition continue to challenge the interim administration’s authority? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the political landscape of Bangladesh is on the brink of a major shift.