Bangladesh is on edge as security forces tighten vigil ahead of a nationwide shutdown announced just hours before a crucial court verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is set to deliver its judgment in a case accusing Hasina of crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student-led protests. She has denied these charges in the past.
Tension has gripped Dhaka and other major cities, with the ruling Awami League calling a two-day countrywide shutdown from Sunday, disrupting daily life. Business leaders, already worried about the economic fallout, say they hope the upcoming general elections will bring stability back to the nation, ANI reported.
Along with Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were also charged. Al-Mamun later became a witness for the prosecution.
Portion of verdict to be televised live
Prosecutor Gazi Monowar Hossain Tamim told reporters on Sunday that the part of the verdict read out in court will be aired live on Bangladesh Television (BTV), if the tribunal allows. All other media outlets will be able to show the broadcast through BTV, according to the local media reports.
In June, the tribunal sent notices to Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, ordering them to surrender by June 24. It warned that the trial would go on even if they did not appear. Both were later declared fugitives, with prosecutors claiming they had escaped to India.
Security tightened across Dhaka
Security has been sharply increased across Dhaka ahead of the verdict. Police, the army and the Border Guard Bangladesh have set up additional checkpoints around major government offices, the Secretariat and the tribunal area.
Officials say incidents of arson and crude bomb attacks have gone up in recent days, heightening public concern as political tensions rise. The government has appealed for calm, while non-Awami League political parties and student groups say they will resist any attempts to create unrest.
The Awami League, which is still banned from political activities, had earlier called for a “Dhaka Lockdown” on November 13 to protest the ongoing trials and arrests of its leaders. Ahead of the verdict, the Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered all security forces to stay on high alert to keep the situation under control.
