Dhaka on Edge: City Shuts Down Amid Violence Ahead of Sheikh Hasina Verdict
The capital of Bangladesh, Dhaka, is on high alert, with a massive security blanket transforming the city into a virtual fortress. This comes as a new wave of Dhaka violence, including arson and crude bomb attacks, has erupted ahead of a crucial decision concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Residents woke up on Thursday to find major roads nearly deserted. The city's infamous traffic congestion has vanished, replaced by an anxious calm as public transport has been severely limited. This follows a "Dhaka lockdown" call by Hasina's Awami League party.
In response to the growing Bangladesh unrest, the government has deployed thousands of police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel. Heavily armed patrols are visible across the city, and numerous checkpoints have been set up at all entry points to monitor and check vehicles, creating a high-tension atmosphere.
The spike in violence is linked to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), which is preparing to set a verdict date in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and her associates. Hasina, who fled to India in August last year, faces dozens of serious charges, including murder.
The Bangladesh political crisis has taken a violent turn in the last two days. The unrest has spread beyond the capital to cities like Gazipur and Brahmanbaria. In Brahmanbaria, a Grameen Bank branch was set on fire, completely destroying its furniture and important documents.
In and around Dhaka, several buses have been torched, including one in a crowded market. A train coach was also set onfire in the city's Tejgaon area. Reports confirm at least 17 separate bomb blast incidents, with one near Dhaka University injuring three people. Even a mall and a location screening a documentary were targeted.
This dangerous situation is bringing back painful memories of the 2024 student protests, which resulted in over 500 deaths. As the security in Dhaka tightens, citizens are caught in the middle, hoping for peace but bracing for more turmoil as they await the Sheikh Hasina verdict.
