Kathmandu: Tensions escalated in Bangladesh this week as violent clashes broke out between supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and security forces in her hometown of Gopalganj. The violence, which occurred on Wednesday, left at least four people dead and prompted authorities to arrest 20 individuals the following day.

According to police, the unrest began when members of Hasina's ruling Awami League party attempted to disrupt a rally organized by the opposition National Citizens Party (NCP). The confrontation quickly turned violent, with stones, bricks, and shards of broken glass littering the scene. In response, over 1,500 police personnel, soldiers, and border guards were deployed in the district, and a curfew was imposed.

By Thursday, law enforcement officials claimed that the situation in Gopalganj had returned to normal. “The law and order situation in Gopalganj is now normal and peaceful,” the police said in an official statement.

However, the aftermath of the clash painted a grim picture. Dr. Jeeveetesh Biswas, Director of Gopalganj District Hospital, confirmed that four bodies had been brought in following the violence. He also reported that gunfire was exchanged outside the hospital, and at least 18 injured people were admitted. “Three of them suffered serious injuries to the chest, back of the head, and legs,” Biswas stated.

Among the deceased was 18-year-old Mistri Ramzan Sheikh, who was allegedly shot and trampled. “They had crushed his chest. When we reached the hospital, his body was soaked in blood,” said his uncle Mohammad Kalim Munshi. The news agency AFP, however, noted that it could not independently verify the family’s claims.

The Bangladeshi army later issued a statement acknowledging its involvement, saying it had intervened alongside police to manage the “unruly crowd.” The statement explained that the situation worsened after their intervention, with protesters becoming more aggressive and hurling stones and bricks, which compelled the army to use force in self-defense.

In a strong reaction, a 24-year-old local resident, speaking anonymously, warned against any disrespect towards Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding president of Bangladesh and father of Sheikh Hasina. “Government-backed leaders are continuously insulting Mujibur Rahman. The ruling party must understand that such disrespect will not be tolerated,” he said.

Human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra condemned the incident, stating that the excessive use of force and the firing on civilians were blatant violations of both human rights and the Bangladeshi constitution. Interim political leader Mohammad Yunus echoed this sentiment, calling the government’s attempt to suppress the NCP rally a “shameful violation of the fundamental rights of the people.”

The situation remains tense as both domestic and international observers monitor the fallout from the violence, which has underscored deep political divisions in the country ahead of potential elections.