Dhaka on Edge: Bomb Blasts & Shoot Orders Amid Hasina Verdict Tension in Bangladesh

Dhaka on Edge: Unrest Grips Capital Ahead of Sheikh Hasina Verdict

Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, is gripped by profound tension following a spate of crude bomb explosions on Sunday, as confirmed by police to Reuters. This unrest precedes a highly anticipated verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, scheduled for Monday, concerning allegations of violence during street protests last year.

While no casualties were reported from the recent bomb incidents, they exacerbate an already anxious atmosphere stemming from days of sporadic arson and blasts. Authorities responded by imposing a city-wide overnight security lockdown across Dhaka and other regions.

Hasina's Trial and Allegations

Sheikh Hasina, 78, currently resides in India, having fled Bangladesh after her ouster in August last year. She is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity, accused of orchestrating deadly actions against student demonstrators in mid-2024. Hasina vehemently denies all charges.

Security agencies, encompassing military, paramilitary, and police units, were placed on high alert following reports that Hasina's now-disbanded Awami League had declared a two-day shutdown in anticipation of the International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh (ICT-BD) judgment.

Escalating Incidents and Security Directives

Sunday night witnessed several alarming incidents: unidentified attackers set ablaze a vehicle dumping ground within a police station complex and detonated two crude bombs outside the residence of an advisory council member to interim government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus. Multiple intersections across Dhaka also experienced explosions.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued stringent directives to quell violent crowds, empowering personnel with shoot-on-site authority if deemed necessary. DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali stated late Sunday, "I stated over the wireless that anyone who sets a bus on fire or throws crude bombs with intent to kill should be shot. This authority is clearly provided in our law."

Recent Wave of Attacks

Since November 10, Dhaka has endured a wave of predominantly pre-dawn attacks. These include crude bombs detonated at the entrance of Grameen Bank headquarters in Mirpur, founded by Professor Yunus, with several bank branches also targeted in coordinated petrol bomb and arson attacks. Additionally, multiple buses were torched during the week, tragically leading to the death of a sleeping driver.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict Expectations

The ICT-BD prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty for Hasina, demanding the death penalty. Prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim stated, "We have sought the highest possible sentence for Hasina. We also requested seizure of the convicts’ property for distribution among families of martyrs and injured victims of last year’s violent street protests." Tamim further clarified that under ICT-BD law, Hasina can only appeal to the Supreme Court’s Appellate Division if she surrenders or is apprehended within 30 days of the judgment.

The verdict is slated for live broadcast on state-run BTV, with screens set up across Dhaka for public viewing. Select portions will air after tribunal clearance, and live streaming will be available on ICT-BD’s official Facebook page.

Hasina's Defiance and Government's Stance

In an audio message posted on the Awami League’s Facebook page, Hasina dismissed the allegations, urging her supporters to maintain peace. "We have seen enough of these attacks and cases, this is just a matter of time," she remarked.

Interim government home affairs adviser, retired lieutenant general Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, affirmed that the verdict, regardless of its outcome, "will be executed." Authorities nationwide remain on high alert to prevent widespread unrest.

Charges and Accusations

Hasina, alongside several senior Awami League figures, faces a range of accusations, including murder, corruption, and abuse of power. Monday’s specific verdict pertains to five counts of alleged crimes against humanity during the July Uprising of 2024. These charges encompass killings, attempted killings, torture, the use of lethal force against unarmed student protesters, deployment of heavy weapons and drones, and specific killings in Rangpur and Dhaka.

Hasina maintains she is being unfairly targeted, accusing interim government chief Yunus of orchestrating her removal from power. Branding him a "usurper," she declared, "Let them try me, I don’t care… The verdict will not be able to gouge my mouth." She labeled the charges "entirely false" and referenced Article 7(B) of the Constitution, stating, "If someone by force removes the elected representatives from power, they will be punished. Yunus just did it."