Security forces across Bangladesh, including the police, Army, BGB, and RAB, have been placed on the highest level of alert ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict tomorrow (November 17) in the case concerning the July mass uprising.
The accused in the high-profile case include ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (who is now a state witness).
Tension escalated over the weekend as the banned Awami League (AL) announced a two-day shutdown in protest. Activists have been involved in arson, crude bomb explosions, road blockades, and vandalism across Dhaka and other districts.
A series of attacks rocked the capital Dhaka, including a crude bomb explosion on New Eskaton Road, injuring a pedestrian. Two crude bombs near the Saarc Fountain intersection in Karwan Bazar. Two crude bombs in front of the Central Road residence of government adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s (no injuries).
Several branches of Grameen Bank were targeted in coordinated petrol bomb and arson attacks in Gazipur, Bogura, and Faridpur. Violence included tree-felling and explosions on the Dhaka-Barishal highway in Madaripur, the torching of a bus in South Keraniganj, and the arrest of two individuals in Tongi with petrol bombs.
Police Headquarters issued special instructions for maximum nationwide deployment to prevent sabotage, with additional police, checkpoints, and patrols deployed in Dhaka and key locations.
BGB personnel have been deployed in Dhaka and districts like Gopalganj, Faridpur, and Madaripur. The DMP Cyber Unit is monitoring social media for incitement and misinformation, which intelligence reports suggest is being spread by AL networks to mobilize supporters. Tight, multi-layered security has been established around the International Crimes Tribunal building.
Authorities maintain that despite the isolated incidents, the overall law-and-order situation remains under control, but forces are instructed to deal with any provocation or vandalism strictly.
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