Blast in Dhaka ahead of decisions : On Nov 17, 2025, Dhaka faces explosions and arson amid fears of unrest before the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict on ex-PM Sheikh Hasina for the 2024 protest crackdown (1,400+ deaths). Key events: 32 bomb blasts, bus fires (1 killed), attacks on Grameen Bank. Response: Shoot-on-sight orders, 400+ guards deployed, 100+ arrests, schools online. Hasina (exiled) denies charges; live verdict airing soon. Interim govt prioritizes stability for 2026 elections.
Violence and Unrest Ahead of the Decision
- Crude Bomb Explosions: Dhaka has been rocked by a series of crude bomb (cocktail) explosions and arson attacks over the last few days, escalating political tension just hours before the court ruling.
- Targeted Attacks: Incidents include explosions near the residence of an interim government adviser and multiple attacks on branches and the headquarters of the Grameen Bank, founded by interim leader Muhammad Yunus.
- Awami League Shutdown: The unrest is largely fueled by the now-banned Awami League (AL) party, which has called for a two-day nationwide “shutdown” and “lockdown” to protest the trial, calling it a politically motivated “farce” and a “kangaroo court.”
- Disruption: The protests and security measures have severely disrupted public life, halting classes and impacting transportation across the capital.
Security Measures and High Alert
- Massive Deployment: Security has been drastically tightened, with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Army, and police deployed across Dhaka and sensitive areas, including the tribunal complex and the AL stronghold of Gopalganj.
- “Shoot-at-Sight” Order: The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has reportedly authorized officers to “shoot-at-sight” anyone involved in arson, throwing crude bombs, or other life-threatening activities to maintain order.
- Arrests: Authorities have arrested hundreds of AL activists in recent days to preempt major unrest.
The Crimes Against Humanity Case
- Accused: Former PM Sheikh Hasina and her former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal (both tried in absentia), and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun (who turned state witness and pleaded guilty).
- Charges: They face charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and ordering the violent crackdown on the student-led “July Uprising” in 2024. A UN report estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the suppression of the protests that led to Hasina’s ouster.
- Prosecution Demand: Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for both Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
- Significance: The verdict, scheduled for this afternoon (local time), is viewed as a landmark ruling that will shape the country’s political future as it prepares for national elections in February 2026.