Bangladesh heightens security ahead of verdict on ex-premier Hasina

Bangladesh heightened security nationwide amid outbreaks of violence ahead of a verdict in a case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over her government’s crackdown on mass protests in 2024.

The International Crimes Tribunal, a specialised court in Dhaka, is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday against Hasina and two of her aides – former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former police chief Abdullah Al Mamun.

They are accused of crimes against humanity for the violent suppression of the uprising, which ultimately ended her 15-year rule.

During closing arguments in October, the prosecution sought the death penalty for Hasina, who is now in exile in India.

State-run Bangladesh Television would broadcast the verdict live, said prosecutor Gazi Manowar Hossain Tamim.

In protest, Hasina’s political party, the Awami League, which was banned by the interim administration has called a two-day nationwide lockdown.

The party has denounced the trial as a farcical and politically motivated proceeding.

The tense situation was marked by reports of crude bomb explosions, arson attacks on buses and businesses, and torch-lit processions in various locations, including the capital, on Sunday night.

Explosions also occurred outside the residence of a government adviser who holds ministerial rank, police said.

In response, the government deployed additional security forces, including paramilitary Border Guards Bangladesh, in Dhaka and other areas to maintain order.

Traffic in the usually congested capital was light in the early hours of the day, and vehicular movement on highways was also lower than usual, according to footage aired by the private broadcaster Somoy TV.

To control the situation, Dhaka City police chief Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali instructed police on Sunday to shoot anyone involved in arson or bomb attacks.