Nation on High Alert

The date for the verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over alleged crimes against humanity during the July popular uprising, is set for today, Thursday, 13 November. The announcement has heightened tensions across the country, particularly in the capital, Dhaka. Several incidents of vehicles being set on fire have already been reported, resulting in the death of a sleeping bus driver.

Explosive devices, including Molotov cocktails, have been used to target educational institutions, the Election Commission, and other critical installations, filling the city’s air with the pungent smell of chemicals. Law enforcement units—including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and the army—alongside intelligence personnel, are maintaining heightened vigilance on every street corner.

 Armoured patrols are underway, and the public is visibly anxious, with many schools switching to online classes and traffic on the streets noticeably reduced. After dusk, much of Dhaka appears deserted, as residents venture out only when strictly necessary. The prevailing topic of conversation, from local tea stalls to households, is what will transpire on 13 November.

Authorities have issued a “High Alert” directive, under which anyone attempting sabotage will be arrested. According to multiple sources, law enforcement is fully deployed to ensure stability nationwide. 

A special meeting was convened on Wednesday at the police headquarters, chaired by Additional Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khondokar Rafiqul Islam, attended by senior officers and linked online with DIGs, Metropolitan Police Commissioners, and district SPs. Officers stated that the aim is to prevent prohibited activities by the banned Awami League in connection with the verdict announcement, with special attention directed to rural branches of Grameen Bank.

Authorities fear that banned political operatives may attempt covert “flash marches” in Dhaka to create public panic, hack important websites, or falsely circulate old footage as current events. Artificial intelligence may be used to generate misleading images and videos, while demonstrations could escalate in courts. 

The banned Awami League is reportedly leveraging political rivalries to maximise disruption, with a primary focus on Dhaka. Their aim appears to be attracting both domestic and international media attention, undermining confidence in Bangladesh’s judiciary, and intimidating judges and investigators.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam told journalists that all security and intelligence agencies, including the army, BGB, NSI, DGFI, and Special Branch, are prepared under a coordinated security framework. Measures around cyber operations have been intensified, vehicle arson is being strictly monitored, and rural Grameen Banks have received special security directives. Individual metropolitan, range, and district police units have deployed adequate forces according to local needs.

Sources indicated that Wednesday’s police headquarters meeting ordered all metropolitan commissioners, DIGs, and district SPs, including Dhaka, to deploy personnel immediately, which they did.

Security measures for 13 November include heightened protection at airports, KPIs, and key entry points into the capital, where security checkpoints have been set up and all persons and vehicles screened. Foot and motorbike patrols continue across the city, with round-the-clock inspections of hotels and motels. Intelligence agencies maintain strict oversight of cyberspace.

Over the past week, between 1,500 and 2,000 suspected Awami League members and affiliates were arrested daily across the country for alleged sabotage, vehicle arson, or participation in flash marches. In the past 24 hours, 44 arrests were made in Dhaka alone. From May to October, party affiliates conducted 247 isolated operations, resulting in 722 arrests. On Wednesday, three members of the banned Awami League were arrested in Faridpur for possession of petrol bomb-making materials.

High-priority locations in Dhaka include Muktijuddho Bhaban, Kakrail Church, the Chief Justice’s residence, mosques in Kakrail, Hotel Intercontinental, hospitals, shopping malls, religious sites, Shahid Minar, city hall, police headquarters, High Court, Secretariat, Shapla Square, Dhaka Stock Exchange, BRTA bus counters, Rajarbagh Police Lines, Kamalapur ICT, Ansar headquarters, Rampura TV Centre, Bangabhaban, RAB office, Expressway, Sadarghat, court premises, deputy commissioners’ offices, universities, Lalbagh Fort, the zoo, registration complexes, cantonments, and the airport.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali reassured the public, stating, “We have implemented sufficient security measures. No one will succeed in creating disorder. Any attempt at disruption will be met with immediate action. Our stance against unrest is firm.”