DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) – Security measures were significantly increased in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, and various regions across the country on Monday as anticipation grew for a verdict against the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to the uprisings that occurred in July and August 2024, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and concluding her 15-year tenure. Amidst this tense atmosphere, Hasina's Awami League party called for a nationwide shutdown to protest the anticipated outcome, denouncing the tribunal as a “kangaroo court.”
Both paramilitary border guards and police were deployed throughout Dhaka and other areas in response to the potential unrest. The prosecution in a special tribunal is seeking the death penalty for Hasina, currently in exile in India, along with a former home minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, who is also believed to be in India. A third individual, a former police chief, has pleaded guilty and now acts as a state witness, receiving no recommended penalties. Verdicts for all three defendants were expected to be announced on Monday.
The charges stem from the violent uprising in which hundreds were reportedly killed. A United Nations report indicated that up to 1,400 people may have lost their lives during the turmoil, while the interim government’s health adviser estimated over 800 dead and about 14,000 injured. Both Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia as they were unable to attend the court proceedings.
In anticipation of the verdict, reports surfaced regarding the detonation of crude bombs and incidents of arson across the nation, causing disruptions in transportation and classes. Hasina communicated with her supporters through an audio message, urging them not to be "nervous" about the impending decision. Throughout her political career, Hasina has survived at least 19 assassination attempts since 1981.
In Dhaka, additional explosions were reported on the eve of the verdict, including one near the residence of a cabinet-level adviser. Following nearly 50 arson incidents primarily targeting vehicles, local authorities, including police chief Sheikh Mohammad Sazzat Ali, issued a "shoot-on-sight" order to manage any attempts at further violence. Reports indicate that two individuals were killed as a result of these arson attacks last week.
In a letter sent to army headquarters, officials at the Supreme Court requested the deployment of military personnel around the tribunal area ahead of the verdict. The prosecution has also expressed intentions for the tribunal's deliberation to be broadcast live on state-run Bangladesh Television and other channels.
Sheikh Hasina was ousted from her position on August 5 of the previous year and has since taken refuge in India. Following her removal, Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was instated as the head of an interim government just three days after. Yunus has pledged to hold Hasina accountable and has suspended the activities of her Awami League party. He announced that the next elections are scheduled for February, stating that Hasina's party would be barred from participating.
Political dynamics in Bangladesh under Yunus's interim government remain complex, with indications of limited stability and continued unrest as the nation awaits the tribunal’s decision.
