Strict security measures have been enforced in Dhaka ahead of the announcement of the verdict date in the much-discussed war crimes case against former ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Crimes Tribunal-1, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mojumdar, is set to announce the date on Thursday (November 13).
Around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) were seen in heightened alert around the tribunal premises near the High Court Mazar area. Armored vehicles from the BGB and DMP have also been deployed there.
Meanwhile, the banned Awami League has announced a “Dhaka Lockdown” program centering the verdict. To prevent possible sabotage and unrest, 17,000 DMP personnel have been deployed at key points across the capital. Additionally, army units, BGB, and various branches of the police are jointly conducting security operations.
DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali stated that in the past 11 days, there have been 17 crude bomb explosions in 15 different areas of Dhaka, and nine vehicles have been set on fire over the last two days. These incidents have sparked public concern and curiosity over what might unfold in the country’s political landscape.
On Thursday morning, traffic across Dhaka was relatively normal. After 7 a.m., police were seen maintaining strict vigilance on roads from Mirpur toward the High Court. Although movement was smooth, the number of vehicles on the roads was notably lower than usual. Joint forces were also seen patrolling in areas such as Bangla Motor.