Fresh violent clashes in Bangladesh’s Gopalganj district on July 17 left at least four people dead and dozens injured after a confrontation between police forces and rival political supporters turned deadly, according to a report by AFP.

The unrest erupted as members of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) attempted to stage a rally in Gopalganj as part of their “July March” campaign, marking the anniversary of 2024’s mass protests that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina from power. The district, a stronghold of Hasina’s Awami League party and the birthplace of her father and Bangladesh’s founding leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has long been a symbolic bastion for the now banned former ruling party and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasina is currently resident in India.

Authorities as cited by local media reports revealed that tensions escalated when Awami League activists sought to disrupt the rally, triggering a violent clash that soon involved police and military forces. Security personnel responded with tear gas and live ammunition. At least 17 people sustained injuries, including several with bullet wounds, according to staff at the Bangladesh Gopalganj District Hospital.

One deceased protester was identified as Ramjan Sikdar, while families removed the other bodies from the hospital. Footage broadcast on Bangladeshi news channels showed burning chairs, plumes of tear gas and heavy gunfire. NCP leaders were seen seeking refuge at a police facility, citing threats of arson from opposing groups. A curfew was imposed from 8am on July 17 until 6pm the next day.