Dhaka on Edge as Blasts and Shutdown Call Hit City
Late Sunday night, multiple crude bomb blasts rattled Dhaka’s Motijheel area and nearby neighbourhoods amid heightened tensions ahead of a landmark verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal‑Bangladesh (ICT-BD) in the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While no fatalities have been officially reported, the blasts triggered panic and prompted a large-scale security response across the city.
Political Unrest and Shutdown Demand
Leading up to the verdict, Hasina’s party, the Awami League, announced a two-day countrywide shutdown to protest what it described as a “politicised” tribunal process. The party claimed the court proceedings are unlawful, while the interim government insists the process is legitimate. The shutdown call overlaps with the security clampdown, leaving Dhaka’s business districts and transport hubs in a near-standstill late into the night.
Security Heightened and Stakes High
Authorities have placed police, paramilitary units and the military on high alert to prevent escalation. Major roads have been blocked, and checkpoints established around government installations and political offices. Observers say the unrest reflects deeper polarisation in Bangladesh following last year’s student-led protests and the ousting of Hasina. With the tribunal verdict expected imminently, the next 24-48 hours are likely to determine whether the unrest escalates further.
