Bangladesh has been placed under a significant security blanket as the nation awaits a pivotal court verdict concerning its former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. The interim government authorised the deployment of paramilitary forces and police across the capital, Dhaka, and other regions on Monday, 17th November 2025.
Nationwide Security Lockdown
Paramilitary border guards and police units have been strategically positioned in response to calls for a nationwide shutdown by Hasina's political party, the Awami League. The party has labelled the special tribunal a "kangaroo court" and is protesting the anticipated judgement. In a dramatic escalation, Dhaka’s police chief issued a "shoot-on-sight" order for anyone attempting to torch vehicles or hurl crude bombs, following nearly 50 arson attacks and dozens of explosions reported over the past week, which resulted in two fatalities.
The Charges and The Tribunal
The prosecution in the special tribunal has sought the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since being ousted on 5th August last year, and for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. Both are charged with crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in the killing of hundreds during a student-led uprising in July and August of 2024. A United Nations report from February estimated the death toll could be as high as 1,400, while the interim government's health adviser cited a figure of over 800 dead and approximately 14,000 injured. The trials are being conducted in absentia. A third suspect, a former police chief who turned state witness, pleaded guilty and faces no penalty.
Political Turmoil and Future Elections
The verdict comes at a time of heightened political tension. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, who leads the interim government, has vowed to punish Hasina and has banned the activities of her Awami League party. Yunus has announced plans to hold the next elections in February, explicitly stating that Hasina's party would be barred from contesting. As the tribunal convened, reports emerged of new crude bomb explosions in Dhaka, including one in front of an adviser's residence. Authorities have even requested army deployment around the court premises, and the verdict deliberation may be broadcast live on state television.
In an audio message, Sheikh Hasina, a political survivor of at least 19 assassination attempts, urged her supporters not to be "nervous" about the outcome, underscoring the deep divisions and unstable political crossroads at which Bangladesh currently stands.
