Crude bombs, arson attacks rock Dhaka as Bangladesh tightens security ahead of Hasina verdict

Amid rising attacks, Dhaka Metropolitan Police instructed officers to open fire on anyone engaged in arson or life-threatening activities. Police Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said over the wireless that personnel should shoot those setting fire to buses or throwing crude bombs “with intent to kill”, according to PTI. He said such action was permitted under law.

Unidentified attackers also targeted the dumping corner of a police station and detonated crude bombs near the residence of an adviser to interim leader Professor Muhammad Yunus, PTI reported. Several offices and branches of Grameen Bank in Mirpur came under predawn attack over the past week.

Shutdown calls and tight vigil ahead of tribunal ruling

Security forces enforced strict overnight vigil after reports that Hasina’s now-disbanded Awami League had announced a two-day shutdown ahead of Monday’s ruling by the International Crimes Tribunal–Bangladesh (ICT-BD), PTI said.

Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. She fled to India after her ouster in August last year. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty and said only approved portions of the verdict would be broadcast live on state television and ICT-BD’s Facebook page.

Also Read: ‘Never ordered firing on civilians’: Hasina denies crimes against humanity as Bangladesh awaits tribunal verdict

The law bars her from appealing unless she surrenders or is arrested within 30 days of the verdict, PTI quoted prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim as saying.

Hasina rejects charges in audio message

In an audio message posted on the Awami League’s Facebook page, Hasina dismissed the allegations as “entirely false”, calling the case part of a “meticulous design” by interim government chief Yunus. “Let them try me, I don’t care… The verdict will not be able to gouge my mouth,” she said.

She also cited Article 7(B) of Bangladesh’s Constitution, arguing those who forcibly remove elected representatives “will be punished”.

The interim government, however, maintains that the verdict – “whatever it is” – will be carried out, PTI reported.

Son warns of unrest if party remains banned

Hasina’s son and adviser Sajeeb Wazed warned that supporters would block the scheduled February national election if the ban on the Awami League remained in place. Speaking to Reuters on Sunday, he said protests could escalate into violence unless the party was allowed to participate.

“We know exactly what the verdict is going to be… They’re going to convict her, and they’ll probably sentence her to death,” he claimed, adding that India was providing his mother full security in New Delhi.

The interim government denied that the case was politically driven and said the trial “functioned transparently”, reported Reuters. It ruled out lifting the ban, calling any incitement to violence by exiled figures “deeply irresponsible”.

Also Read: Will return to Bangladesh only after ‘participatory democracy’ is restored, says Sheikh Hasina

Political violence has escalated sharply this month, with dozens of crude bombs exploding across Dhaka and more than 400 Border Guards deployed, noted Reuters. Authorities have set up reinforced checkpoints and restricted public gatherings to prevent further unrest. Bangladesh, home to over 170 million people and a major global garment exporter, suffered severe economic and political disruption during last year’s protests. A UN estimate cited by Reuters said up to 1,400 people were killed and thousands injured during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.

Wazed said he and Hasina were in contact with party activists and that nationwide shutdowns and protests were already expanding. “She’s upset, angry, outraged,” he said. “And we are all determined to fight back by whatever means necessary.”