Bangladesh has deployed over 400 paramilitary troops and tightened security across Dhaka as the nation braces for Monday's verdict in the crimes against humanity trial of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Two crude bombs exploded near Dhaka airport on Thursday night, deepening tensions in a capital already rattled by days of political violence. No casualties were reported, but the blasts deepened anxiety ahead of the highly anticipated ruling.
Hashina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity for a violent crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. She remains in India, where she fled following her ouster in August last year.
The trial has become a flashpoint for political tensions in Bangladesh, with supporters and opponents of the former leader preparing for what many view as a defining moment in the nation's political trajectory.
What Security Measures Has Bangladesh Implemented
Security has been tightened across the city as authorities prepare for potential unrest following Monday's verdict. Over 400 soldiers from the paramilitary Border Guards have been deployed in the city, checkpoints have been strengthened throughout the capital, and public gatherings have been heavily restricted.
The massive security presence reflects government concerns that the verdict could trigger widespread violence regardless of the outcome, with both Hasina supporters and opponents mobilizing their bases.
Authorities have also increased surveillance at critical infrastructure, including airports, railway stations, government buildings, and financial institutions.
Police have detained dozens of activists from Hasina's Awami League party in recent days over allegations of involvement in explosions and sabotage.
The preemptive arrests aim to disrupt coordination of potential violent protests, though critics argue the detentions target legitimate political opposition rather than actual perpetrators of violence.
The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus faces the delicate challenge of maintaining order while respecting democratic rights during this volatile period.
Did you know?
Sheikh Hasina served as Bangladesh's Prime Minister for over 20 years across multiple terms, making her one of the longest serving elected female leaders in world history, before her dramatic ouster in August 2024 following massive student led protests against her government.
What Charges Does Sheikh Hasina Face at the Tribunal
Hashina is being tried on charges of crimes against humanity for a violent crackdown on student protests that erupted in mid-2024. The protests initially began over government job quota reforms but escalated into broader demonstrations against Hasina's authoritarian governance style and allegations of corruption.
Security forces responded with lethal force, with human rights organizations documenting hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries during the crackdown that ultimately led to her downfall.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hasina, arguing that she bears command responsibility for the systematic violence against civilian protesters.
The charges include murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and persecution of political opponents.
Hasina has denied all allegations, with her legal team arguing that she acted to maintain law and order in the face of what they characterize as violent insurrection.
The trial has been conducted by a special tribunal explicitly established to address crimes committed during the 2024 protests, raising questions among international legal observers about judicial independence and due process standards.
How Has Violence Escalated Ahead of the Verdict
Dhaka has seen a sharp rise in attacks in recent days as the verdict date approaches. On November 12 alone, authorities recorded 32 crude bomb explosions across the capital, while dozens of buses were torched in Dhaka and other districts.
The coordinated nature of the attacks suggests organized efforts to create chaos and potentially delegitimize the tribunal proceedings.
A branch of the Grameen Bank, founded by interim government leader Muhammad Yunus, was specifically targeted in what appears to be a politically motivated attack.
A train carriage at Dhaka railway station was also set on fire, disrupting transportation and adding to the climate of fear gripping the capital.
The Awami League has called for a nationwide shutdown to protest what it characterizes as a politically motivated trial, though the party officially denies involvement in the violence.
Analysts note that the attacks follow patterns seen during previous periods of political instability in Bangladesh, where crude bombs and arson have been used as tools of intimidation and protest.
The violence has severely disrupted daily life in Dhaka, with many businesses closing early and residents avoiding public spaces.
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Why Did Sheikh Hasina Flee to India Last Year
Hashina fled to India in August 2024 following her ouster amid massive student-led protests that had paralyzed the country for weeks. The protests, which began over government job quota reforms, evolved into a broader movement demanding her resignation over allegations of authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses.
As demonstrations intensified and security forces struggled to maintain control, Hasina lost support from key military and political allies who had previously propped up her government.
Facing the prospect of being detained or worse, Hasina departed Bangladesh for India, where she has remained in exile.
India's decision to grant her asylum has complicated bilateral relations with the interim government in Dhaka, which has formally requested her extradition to face trial.
India has not publicly committed to handing over Hasina, citing various legal and humanitarian considerations.
The situation has created diplomatic tensions between the neighboring countries, with Bangladesh accusing India of harboring a fugitive while India emphasizes its tradition of providing refuge to political leaders in distress.
What Could the Verdict Mean for Bangladesh's Political Future
Monday's verdict carries profound implications for Bangladesh's political trajectory and efforts to transition from authoritarian rule to more democratic governance.
A guilty verdict with harsh sentencing would represent a symbolic break from decades of Awami League dominance and send a message that even the most powerful leaders can be held accountable for human rights violations.
However, it could also provoke violent backlash from Hasina's substantial support base, potentially destabilizing the fragile interim government.
Conversely, an acquittal or lenient sentence would likely trigger massive protests from the student movement and civil society groups that toppled Hasina, who view accountability as essential for meaningful political reform.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus faces the monumental task of navigating these competing pressures while preparing for eventual elections.
The verdict will test whether Bangladesh's institutions can deliver justice in a politically charged environment, setting precedents that will shape the country's democratic development for years to come.
International observers are watching closely, with the outcome potentially influencing regional stability and Bangladesh's relationships with key partners, including India, the United States, and international financial institutions.
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