Law enforcers on highest alert ahead of AL's 'Dhaka lockdown' on 13 Nov
Law enforcement agencies have been put on maximum alert ahead of the Awami League's announced "Dhaka lockdown" programme on 13 November.
The Police Headquarters has already issued strict instructions to strengthen security at all field levels.
Since Monday (10 November), police patrols, checkpoints, and intelligence surveillance have been intensified across Dhaka and other parts of the country, according to officials.
The army, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and intelligence agencies will remain deployed on the ground to prevent any untoward incidents or violence.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court administration has banned the entry of outsiders into the National Eidgah field to ensure overall security of the Supreme Court compound, International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Attorney General's Office, Supreme Court Bar Association building, and surrounding areas.
All forms of rallies and gatherings in these areas have also been prohibited.
On 13 November, the ICT is scheduled to fix the date for delivering its verdict in the crimes against humanity case filed against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, and another accused. The charges stem from alleged killings and torture during the 2024 July Uprising.
The tribunal, headed by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, concluded the trial proceedings on 23 October and set 13 November to determine the date for announcing the verdict.
Among the accused, Hasina and Kamal remain absconding, while former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, now in custody, has turned state witness.
The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment for Hasina and Kamal on five specific charges, while the state-appointed defence counsel pleaded for their acquittal, claiming innocence. The defence has also sought acquittal for the state witness, former IGP Mamun.
No cause for concern: Prosecutor
Speaking to journalists at the tribunal premises on Tuesday (11 November), ICT Prosecutor Gazi Mohammad Tamim said there was "no cause for concern" regarding the enhanced security in the capital ahead of 13 November.
He clarified that the tribunal would not deliver the verdict that day but only fix a future date for pronouncing it. "The judges will decide the date for delivering the verdict," he said.
In response to a question during a briefing at the ICT premises on Tuesday afternoon, Prosecutor Gazi Monowar noted that the public disapproves of attempts to cause public suffering or arson in the name of facing the tribunal, saying, "People are not taking such actions positively."