Ahead of the Sheikh Hasina verdict, political tensions are running high in Bangladesh. As the verdict of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is about to deliver the verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, strict measures have been imposed in the country. The government has instructed police to fire directly at those indulging in the violence. Sheikh Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has called for a nationwide ‘bandh’ today. The Awami League is banned by the interim Yunus government.
Sheikh Hasina’s emotional audio message
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina has issued an emotional audio message to party workers, urging them to intensify street protests across Bangladesh. Furthermore, Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were reported in several locations in Dhaka on Sunday evening. Two improvised explosive devices exploded around 9 p.m. in front of the residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, an advisor to the interim government. Another explosion occurred in the Caravan Bazar area. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
Awami League Calls for a Bandh
Bangladesh remained unusually quiet on Sunday morning. Roads that are usually bustling with traffic saw little traffic. Shops opened late, and many people chose to stay indoors. Awami League has called for a Bandh today.
Since the interim government has banned the party and its allies, Awami League leaders are now making announcements using social media from undisclosed locations.
Orders to Open Fire on those inciting violence
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjad Ali has ordered officers to open fire on anyone indulging in violence, especially those attacking police. Security has been heightened across Dhaka ahead of Monday’s court verdict.
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Verdict
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is scheduled to deliver its verdict today in a case in which ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah al-Mamun are accused of crimes against humanity related to the unrest during the July-August student movement. The hearings in the case concluded on October 23.
What is the case against Hasina?
The case against Sheikh Hasina relates to the violent student-led protests that rocked Bangladesh between July and August 2024. Hasina has strongly denied all allegations of crimes against humanity related to these incidents.
