The date of verdict in the crimes against humanity case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected on November 13 today. On the same day, the banned Awami League has announced a “Dhaka Lockdown” programme. These twin developments have triggered intense tension and anxiety in the capital and across the country.
Rumours and misinformation have flooded social media, with posts alleging plans to provoke unrest, stage violent gatherings, and attack key installations.
Law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and various intelligence agencies, have been placed on the highest alert to maintain order, particularly in and around Dhaka.
Since the Dhaka lockdown call was issued, incidents of arson and crude bomb (cocktail) explosions have erupted in several districts, including Dhaka. Over the past three days, at least 13 buses have been torched across the country, including the capital.
Taking a firm stance, the government has directed security forces to act decisively against any attempt to create disorder. From Wednesday, strict surveillance was introduced at all entry points to Dhaka, with intensified searches and restrictions planned for Thursday to prevent gatherings or sit-ins.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) reported that detectives arrested 44 activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliates during citywide raids on Wednesday. DMP data show 18 crude-bomb explosions and arson attacks on 10 vehicles, leading to the detention of more than 550 suspects in recent days.
Police officials said that many attackers had travelled from outside the city and quickly fled after committing acts of violence. Some street children were reportedly forced into throwing crude bombs. To curb such incidents, checkpoints and mobile patrols have been reinforced.
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed to strengthen security in Dhaka and surrounding districts, including Narayanganj and Gazipur.
According to BGB spokesperson Shariful Islam, 14 platoons- 12 in Dhaka and two outside- are currently stationed in key locations until further notice.
RAB and police units have also taken positions along major roads, including Shahbagh, the High Court area, Curzon Hall, and Mintu Road.
A detailed security plans were finalised in high-level meetings on Tuesday involving the Home Ministry, Police Headquarters, and the DMP.
At a law and order advisory committee meeting chaired by Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, officials reviewed intelligence indicating that some saboteurs might be positioned near border areas to smuggle explosives. The government has also reinforced security at airports and key point installations nationwide.
Citizens have been urged not to shelter unknown individuals and to report any suspicious activity. Police stations were instructed to monitor neighbourhoods closely and ensure that hotels and guest houses verify guests’ national IDs. Authorities also ordered the suspension of loose fuel sales at roadside stalls and advised transport owners to maintain round-the-clock vigilance in parking areas.
To curb online rumours, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) and police cyber units have begun 24-hour monitoring of digital platforms. The NCSA urged the public to verify information before sharing and to report inflammatory or anti-state content immediately.
Wing Commander M.Z.M. Intekhab Chowdhury, Director (Law & Media) of RAB, said: “It doesn’t take long for instability to arise. We are fully alert to ensure internal security. Our cyber-monitoring and intelligence units are working intensively, and we will further increase patrols and checkpoint operations.”
Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced that its members would take to the streets to counter the banned Awami League’s “Dhaka Lockdown” plan. The organisation’s president, Rifat Rashid, instructed leaders nationwide to remain vigilant and prevent any attempt at chaos surrounding the verdict.
Rejecting the banned party’s call, the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association confirmed that public transport will operate as usual on Thursday.
Joint Secretary General Kazi Md Zobaer Masud stated that all buses must carry fire extinguishers and that terminal authorities have been warned to stay alert.
Similarly, the Bangladesh Shop Owners’ Association announced that all shops, markets, and shopping malls across the country will remain open on Thursday.
