Tension erupted in Gopalganj's Tungipara upazila on Tuesday as activists of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League enforced a blockade, setting fire to tyres, disrupting traffic and allegedly vandalising and torching a police vehicle.
The blockade began in the morning around Patgati Bus Stand, where activists gathered from different areas, staged processions and blocked roads by burning tyres. They chanted various slogans, including “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu”.
According to local sources, a procession later moved towards Tungipara Government College, GT Government High School, GT Government Primary School and Government Girls' High School. Activists allegedly disrupted academic activities at the institutions.
Tension escalated near the road corner of Tungipara GT Government High School when several police vehicles took position in the area. Police reportedly fired tear gas to bring the situation under control.
During the confrontation, agitated activists allegedly vandalised a police vehicle and set it on fire. They also tore down several banners and festoons.
Officer-in-Charge of Tungipara Police Station Ayub Ali confirmed the incident, saying that protesters had vandalised and torched a police vehicle.
The blockade brought traffic to a halt on the Pirojpur-Gopalganj road. Protesters also placed bamboo barriers at different points between Patgati Bus Stand and Chowrangi Bazar, causing significant disruption to commuters and transport operators.
Local sources said activists of the Chhatra League, Jubo League and Awami League, along with a large number of supporters, took to the streets in different parts of Tungipara.
Meanwhile, Chhatra League activists also gathered in Gopalganj town from the morning, chanting slogans and setting tyres on fire on Bangabandhu Road.
Around noon, a large group of activists, reportedly carrying locally made weapons, assembled near the bridge in the Launchghat area of the district town. They chanted slogans in support of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders.
Members of law enforcement agencies remained on alert on the other side of the bridge to prevent any untoward incidents. However, the protesters eventually dispersed without further violence, local sources said.
The blockade disrupted normal activities across several areas, leaving passengers and transport workers in distress.
Details about the extent of damage to the police vehicle, possible injuries and subsequent law enforcement measures were not immediately available.
