Bangladesh, July 17 -- The Bangladesh Army has said it was forced to act in self-defence during the political violence in Gopalganj after multiple warnings on loudspeaker failed to stop a wave of attacks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said troops came under assault with crude bombs and brickbats while trying to contain unrest surrounding a National Citizen Party (NCP) rally.

The military's media wing described the overall security situation in Gopalganj as "stable", but urged the public not to be misled by what it called "rumours or propaganda".

The ISPR said a disorderly mob carried out organised attacks in Gopalganj Sadar on Jul 16, during a rally called as part of the NCP's...