The Home Ministry has instructed law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant to prevent the Awami League’s announced “lockdown” on 13 November. It was decided at a special meeting that anyone attempting to take to the streets under this programme will be arrested immediately. In addition, security forces have been directed to increase their presence and readiness at key locations in the capital over the coming days.

The directives were issued on Sunday (9 November) at a meeting of the Home Ministry’s law and order core committee held at the Secretariat.

According to ministry sources, the core committee meeting had originally been scheduled for next Tuesday but was called unexpectedly today to discuss the Awami League’s planned activities. Senior officials from various intelligence agencies attended the meeting, including Police Inspector General Baharul Alam and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali.

The discussion focused on the social media campaigns being run by several mid-level Awami League leaders based abroad in promotion of the 13 November programme.

The meeting also noted that some leaders and activists from Barguna, Barisal, Gopalganj, Madaripur, and Gazipur had arrived in Dhaka in connection with the programme. A proposal was made by a security official to set up checkpoints at various locations across Dhaka, which was subsequently approved.

During the meeting, the past political activities of two Awami League leaders from the Barisal region were highlighted, with a warning that they might attempt similar actions from abroad.

After the meeting, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated that there is no concern regarding the 13 November lockdown in Dhaka, as Awami League activities are now prohibited.

Regarding the withdrawal of 50 per cent of deployed military personnel, the adviser confirmed that the army will remain fully operational on the ground and no personnel will be removed from the field.