The Bangladesh Army today sought people’s all-out cooperation to maintain law and the law of the administration without being distracted by rumours or propaganda.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement here this evening, said that the Bangladesh Army is committed to protecting the sovereignty of the country and public safety as well.

“At present, the overall security situation is normal in Gopalganj district and the curfew is underway . . . The Army, BGB, police, RAB and other agencies of the administration are working there closely,” it said.

During a meeting of a political party as part of its ‘July March’, a group of unruly people vandalized the stage in Gopalganj Sadar Upazila and at the same time attacked the district jail there on July 16, the release mentioned.

In this case, when the army repeatedly tried to prevent the unruly acts by using loud speakers, they (miscreants) hurled huge cocktails and brickbats targeting the army personnel and at one stage, the troops were forced to retaliate for their self–defense.

The ISPR said subsequently, the army, BGB and police jointly dispersed the attackers. Then, under the overall supervision of the army, the organization’s leaders - who were earlier taken shelter at the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), Gopalganj - were shifted to Khulna safely.

Some policemen and journalists were injured in the incident and also some important government structures, vehicles were damaged, it said.

After all, the Bangladesh Army and the law enforcers were able to bring the situation under control by ensuring professionalism and patience, the release added.

However, in this political violence and chaos from July 16 morning, the general people of Gopalganj district have helped the army with great patience, the ISPR further mentioned in the statement.