Gopalganj, July 16 — Former State Minister for Home Affairs, Sohel Taj, has accused Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of orchestrating an attack on four individuals — Nahid, Sarjis, Hasnat, and Zara — in Gopalganj. In a social media post, he referred to the Prime Minister as the "Devil Queen," claiming she was the mastermind behind the assault.

According to Sohel Taj, the attack was a targeted attempt to suppress the leaders of the anti-discrimination student movement and the broader July-August mass uprising. He described it as a "cowardly attempt to eliminate voices of dissent."

In the same statement, he further alleged that instead of self-reflection or accountability, Prime Minister Hasina has been engaged in destructive policies, including money laundering and issuing nationwide crackdowns through authoritarian tactics.

Sohel Taj's remarks have sparked sharp political debate, with critics viewing them as a bold accusation against the highest level of government.

The BNP has accused the government of deliberately destabilizing law and order to derail the upcoming national election scheduled for February. Condemning the recent attack and violent clashes at an NCP rally in Gopalganj, the party described the incident as part of a larger conspiracy to undermine the democratic process. According to the BNP, the ruling party seeks to cling to power by suppressing opposition groups and denying people their right to vote. The BNP blamed the government’s failure—and in some cases, direct involvement—for the deteriorating security situation across the country.

BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury claimed that the recent Gopalganj unrest exposes the Awami League’s reliance on muscle power. Speaking at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Thursday (July 17), he said Bangladesh could have been a global example if the past four elections under Sheikh Hasina had been democratic. He described Hasina’s government as a “monster” clinging to power without public support, stressed the need for mutual respect among political parties, and called for urgent free and fair elections to restore stability and revive investment in the country.

The National Citizens’ Party (NCP) has announced human chain protests and memorandum submissions in front of all police stations in Dhaka, condemning attacks on their activists in Gopalganj. The protests are scheduled for Thursday (July 17) at 4 PM. Earlier, Gopalganj witnessed violent clashes, arson, and crude bomb explosions during NCP’s march, leaving four dead and at least 15-20, including journalists and police, injured. A 22-hour curfew remains in place, with security forces deployed to restore order.

Nahid Islam, Convenor of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP), has announced his return to Gopalganj, vowing to raise flags of the “July Uprising” in every household. In a Facebook post on Thursday (July 17), he accused the Awami League of being a “Mujibist terrorist organization” responsible for orchestrated attacks on their peaceful events. Claiming that their rallies were held under official instructions, Nahid said NCP members were attacked on their way back. He reported hearing of four deaths and stated, “We neither support nor expect extrajudicial killings.” He also demanded the arrest and trial of attackers in Gopalganj and across the country, and announced a march in Faridpur.

Bangladesh is preparing for a third round of negotiations with the United States to reduce the 35% countervailing tariff on its exports. The Ministry of Commerce is formulating a position paper with input from 11 ministries and related agencies. The discussions aim to assess the feasibility of U.S. conditions under local and international laws. Meetings with U.S. companies like Chevron and Excelerate Energy have been held, with more planned, including one with the American Apparel and Footwear Association on July 22.

Rakibul Islam Rakib, President of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has criticized BNP advisers for failing to visit the grave of martyr Abu Sayeed. Speaking at a memorial event in Rangpur, Rakib said the absence of top leaders was deeply disappointing.

He emphasized that the sacrifice of Abu Sayeed will never be forgotten as long as Bangladesh exists. Rakib also condemned the recent attack on NCP activists by Chhatra League in Gopalganj and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

BNP Vice Chairman Shamsuzzaman Dudu has said that history will not forgive those who spread falsehoods and propaganda against the Zia family and Tarique Rahman.

Speaking at a protest organized by Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Dudu said the late President Ziaur Rahman was the architect of modern Bangladesh. He condemned the recent killings of a businessman in Mitford and a Jubo Dal leader in Khulna, stating that such atrocities have stirred the conscience of the medical community.

Leaders of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), President A.S.M. Abdur Rob and General Secretary Shahid Uddin Mahmud Swapan, have strongly condemned the attack by Awami League supporters on the NCP's event in Gopalganj.

In a joint statement, the JSD leaders said that Bangladesh was on a path toward reform and fair elections, but the ruling party has once again revealed its authoritarian nature. "Despite being removed from power, the Awami League continues to resort to violence, putting the lives of political activists at risk," the statement read.

The JSD called for all anti-authoritarian forces to unite in resistance and demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible for the attack.

BNP Sports Secretary Aminul Haque has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Nationalist Citizen Party’s (NCP) "July March" in Gopalganj. Speaking on the matter, he claimed that attempts are being made to destabilize the country’s law and order situation under government patronage in order to sabotage the upcoming national elections.

"Only the BNP maintains political decorum in today’s landscape," said Haque, emphasizing that the BNP unequivocally rejects all forms of injustice and oppression. He also praised the leadership of Tarique Rahman, reaffirming the party's belief that political power should originate from the people.

Aminul Haque outlined the BNP’s upcoming programs, which include silent marches, mass rallies, and victory processions. He further called for increased awareness and action against drug abuse across the country.

M Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu, BNP central leader and former minister, blamed the attack on the banned Awami League militants on the disunity among BNP, Jamaat, and NCP. He pointed out that earlier, united opposition had succeeded in challenging the fascist Awami government, but now internal divisions and conflicts are weakening them, allowing the Awami League to exploit the situation. Dulu urged all opposition parties to unite and called for the swift arrest and prosecution of the attackers. He emphasized the need for effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Rashed Pradhan, Vice President of the National Democratic Party (JAGPA), claimed that Awami fascists remain active with assurances from Delhi and continue attacking police forces. Speaking at a JAGPA event in Rangpur commemorating the first martyrdom anniversary of Abu Saeed, he demanded justice for the mass killings by the Awami League and Sheikh Hasina’s regime. He called for renaming Gopalganj as ‘Abusaidganj’ to honor the martyrs Mugh, Wasim, and Abu Saeed. JAGPA has announced a plan to besiege the Indian Embassy in Dhaka on August 6 in protest against Indian aggression and genocide.

Maulana Jalaluddin Ahmad, Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, condemned the violent attack involving cocktails and assaults on police during NCP’s ‘March to Gopalganj’ rally. He called the attack a direct threat to democracy and national security. Ahmad accused an India-backed faction of conspiring to destabilize the country under the direction of a fugitive leader. He demanded the swift arrest and punishment of the attackers, labeling them enemies of freedom and democracy. Wishing speedy recovery for injured police officers, he urged the government to take impartial and strong action to restore law and order. He appealed to patriotic political forces, civil society, and Islam-loving citizens to unite for the country’s security and stability.

On the first martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Abu Saeed, Gonoshonghoti Andolon leader Jonaid Saki said that the failure of the caretaker government has emboldened killers once again. At a memorial rally in Rangpur, he urged quick justice and the announcement of the ‘July Charter’ to establish a framework for reforms. Saki emphasized that democracy cannot exist without three pillars: election, reform, and justice. He blamed the government for the attacks on NCP’s marches and mob terror. Families of martyrs and student leaders demanded justice, rehabilitation for the injured, and constitutional reforms. They warned that power without public control equals fascism. According to them, the future lies in decentralization, an equal Bangladesh, and a new political arrangement.

Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Joint Secretary General of BNP, stated that a well-planned divide-and-rule strategy is being used to rehabilitate Awami fascism amidst the people’s uprising. He condemned the recent attack by Awami League militants on the NCP’s rally in Gopalganj, saying it proves the Awami League’s character remains unchanged—they are still enemies of the people and mass murderers. Prince accused some groups of creating unnecessary confusion by raising irrelevant issues to obstruct BNP’s progress, allowing fascist forces to resurge. He further alleged that Awami League militants, protected by the police, are carrying out repression across the country. Delays in elections would only empower these forces more, so the election must be held within December. He called for all democratic forces to unite in this crucial time.