Gopalganj Curfew Enforced, Government Reaffirms Uninterrupted Internet Access
In response to the violent clashes that erupted during the National Citizen Party’s (NCP) rally and subsequent attack on its motorcade, which left at least four people dead, the government imposed a curfew in Gopalganj from 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17.
Speaking to several local journalists, it was learned that the streets of Gopalganj turned nearly empty after dusk. While a few people were seen returning home, their expressions reportedly bore signs of fear. Law enforcement patrols from the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army were deployed throughout the city, with enhanced presence at key points.
Amid speculation, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications confirmed that internet services in the region were neither shut down nor disrupted. In a late-night statement issued through the Office of the Chief Adviser, it was reaffirmed that “the government’s stance on not shutting down the internet under any circumstances is clear.”
“The government is committed to ensuring uninterrupted mobile and broadband internet services across the country,” the ministry stated. It further clarified that “no directive was issued by the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to block or disrupt mobile internet in Gopalganj or anywhere else in the country. Any suggestion of a shutdown contradicts the current administration’s policy and is unwarranted.”
Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, commented: “There is reason to believe that such misinformation is being spread with malicious intent by authoritarian elements and their accomplices. To maintain stability and public order, individuals and institutions are advised to exercise caution against the spread of misinformation and disinformation.”
Meanwhile, the Online Editors Alliance strongly condemned the attack on vehicles carrying journalists from various television and multimedia outlets who were covering the event. In a statement to the media, Alliance President Hasan Sharif and General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel expressed grave concern and denounced the incident.
The statement reported that Jamuna TV’s senior correspondent Mozammel Hossain Munna and a local reporter of a national daily were injured. Vehicles carrying reporters from Ekattor TV, Star News, and other multimedia outlets also came under attack. The Alliance stated, “Such violence seriously endangers the safety and independence of journalists while performing their professional duties.” It called for swift and effective legal action against those responsible.
Simultaneously, social media platforms were flooded with conflicting narratives and misleading information regarding the events in Gopalganj.
