Nationwide High Alert

Bangladesh has been placed under an undeclared nationwide high alert as security agencies tighten their grip ahead of the verdict in the war crimes and genocide case filed against former Prime Minister and Awami League chairperson Sheikh Hasina. Authorities have deployed extensive security measures, with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner confirming that officers have been authorised to open fire immediately if they witness arson or bomb attacks targeting police personnel or civilians.

Additional police have been deployed across Dhaka and all major districts, while key state installations — including the Supreme Court and the tribunal where the verdict will be delivered — have been placed under multi-layered security cordons. Alongside the police, members of the Rapid Action Battalion, intelligence agencies, Border Guard Bangladesh and the army have been assigned to maintain order in areas deemed sensitive.

Security units have been directed to prevent flash processions, arrest members of the banned political organisation accused of planning unrest, and stop the detonation of crude explosives or arson attacks on public transport. Residences of senior state officials, the Chief Adviser, vital infrastructure and religious institutions have all been placed under reinforced surveillance.

Throughout Dhaka, a series of crude bomb explosions was reported from afternoon into late evening. For an entire week, attempts at sabotage have taken place nationwide—primarily under the cover of darkness—fuelled by arson attacks on vehicles, public property and repeated bomb hurling. The escalating tension has led several private educational institutions in the capital to shift to online classes.

In anticipation of possible disorder, the Supreme Court administration has formally requested army deployment around the tribunal. Separately, Border Guard Bangladesh confirmed deployment in four districts to maintain stability.

Opposition leaders, including the BNP’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, stated that the impending verdict has generated “deep anxiety and uncertainty” across the country, accusing a faction of attempting to sow fresh unrest. Several civic groups have announced nationwide programmes condemning the alleged arson carried out by the banned Awami League, including symbolic demonstrations in Dhaka’s Shahbagh.

A wave of overnight sabotage continued across multiple districts: roadside trees were felled to block highways in Gopalganj and Madaripur, parked buses were set ablaze in Savar, and several branches of Grameen Bank were attacked with petrol bombs. Explosive devices were thrown in areas of Dhaka including Jurain, Kawran Bazar, Agargaon, Hatirjheel and even inside the Airport Railway Station platform.

In Comilla, police arrested 44 members of the banned student wing for allegedly preparing flash processions and acts of violence. Dhaka police separately detained 10 activists linked to recent covert processions.

Police officials stated that patrols, checkpoints and intelligence surveillance have been significantly intensified, ensuring that “strict legal action” will be taken against anyone attempting vandalism, incitement or sabotage. Authorities insist the public need not panic, assuring that substantial security resources have been mobilised to maintain calm across the country.