Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have alleged that law enforcement agencies are carrying out mass arrests in Kotalipara, Gopalganj, in the aftermath of clashes centring on a rally by the National Citizen Party (NCP).

The allegations were made at a press conference held on Sunday at the BNP’s local office in Ghaghor Bazar, Kotalipara.

Responding to the claims, Kotalipara police station Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad denied any mass arrests.

“We are not conducting indiscriminate arrests. We have only detained individuals directly involved in the incident. So far, 30 people have been arrested in connection with the case. How can this be called a mass arrest?” he said.

At the press briefing, Kotalipara BNP President SM Mahiuddin said that on Wednesday, leaders and activists of the local Awami League and its affiliates blocked the Kotalipara-Poisharhat road and held a protest rally at Wabda Bazar.

“They felled trees at multiple points on the road, obstructing public movement. Following this, police filed a case naming 155 individuals and accusing 1,500 unnamed persons. Now, ordinary people are being harassed and arrested under the guise of that case,” he alleged.

BNP’s Kotalipara General Secretary Abul Bashar Hawlader claimed that most of the accused are not politically affiliated.

“How were so many innocent people named in the case, and under whose influence?” he asked.

BNP's Kotalipara (municipal) General Secretary Oliur Rahman Hawlader also criticised law enforcement.

“You were present during the protest, but failed to arrest anyone then. You have video footage. Why were those not used to identify the real culprits? Instead, you are arresting innocent people. We strongly protest this,” he said.

He also warned, “We do politics for the people. If you continue to harass them, we will resist with public support.”

Four murder cases filed over Gopalganj violence

Four separate murder cases have been filed in connection with the deadly violence that broke out during the NCP’s July rally in Gopalganj.

Each case accuses between 1,400 and 1,500 unidentified individuals, allegedly linked to the ruling Awami League and its affiliated organisations.

A total of 5,400 people have been implicated so far.

The four victims – Ramzan Kazi, 17, Dipta Shaha, 27, Shohel Rana Molla, 30 and Imran Talukdar, 17 – were killed by gunfire during the clashes.

The cases were filed late Saturday by Sub-Inspectors Md Ayub Hossain, Md Shamim Hossain, Abul Kalam Azad and Sheikh Mizanur Rahman.

A fifth case is expected following the death of an auto-rickshaw puller who succumbed to gunshot injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 17 July.

The 13 July clashes reportedly lasted for five hours, sparked by repeated attacks on the NCP’s rally. At least 50 people were injured, including nine with bullet wounds.

Authorities have arrested 321 people across the district in connection with the violence. Additional cases involving vandalism, arson and anti-state activities have also been filed.

Meanwhile, the local administration lifted the Section 144 curfew at 8pm on Sunday.