Arson, blasts continue amid AL's 'shutdown' call over ICT verdict against Hasina

Security forces nationwide have been placed on high alert as the International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict tomorrow (17 November) in a case involving alleged crimes against humanity committed during last year's July mass uprising. 

Ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, now a state witness, are accused in the case.

Tension has gripped the country since Saturday after the Awami League – now a banned political organisation – announced a two-day shutdown for today and tomorrow in protest.

ICT judgment at 11am today in crimes against humanity case against Hasina

However, the situation across the nation had already been tense since last week, with violence continuing in the lead-up to the announcement of the verdict date on 13 November. The party's activists launched arson attacks, exploded crude bombs, blocked roads and carried out vandalism in Dhaka and other districts over the last six days.

Despite the unrest, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says the overall law-and-order situation remains under control, apart from a few isolated incidents. The events prompted a sweeping security response from police, the army, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

BGB Public Relations Officer Md Shariful Islam said 14 BGB platoons have been deployed in and around Dhaka. Besides, BGB personnel have been deployed in Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur, where three-tier security fences have been installed at key points and strategic installations.

According to a source involved in security preparations for the tribunal's judgement, at least 60,000 personnel from different agencies have been deployed nationwide to prevent unrest.

Arson, blasts across Dhaka

A series of explosions and arson attacks took place in the capital from Saturday night through today.

Last night, two crude bombs also went off in front of the residence of Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in the capital's Central Road area. The blasts occurred around 9pm, though no one was injured.

Confirming the matter, Rizwana said CCTV footage shows two people detonating the crude bombs and immediately fleeing the scene. 

Police said a team has been deployed to the location following the incident.

At 9:40pm, a crude bomb explosion occurred in front of the National Citizen Party (NCP) office in Banglamotor area, police sources confirmed. In a separate incident, a crude bomb exploded at the Motijheel T&T bus stand area in the capital, eyewitnesses said. 

SC seeks army deployment ahead of verdict in Hasina case

No injuries were reported in these incidents.

Earlier around 7:30pm, at least two crude bombs exploded near the Saarc Fountain intersection in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar area.

At 8:40am in the morning, a crude bomb exploded in front of the Waqf building at New Eskaton Road, injuring a pedestrian, Abdul Basir. "I was walking to work as usual. Suddenly a cocktail exploded near me. I think it may have been thrown from the flyover," he told reporters.

The previous night, miscreants set fire to a bus in front of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa College in Hazaribagh. Four separate crude bomb explosions were reported in Pallabi's Shagufta area and under the metro station. Bombs also went off near the ADB building in Agargaon and at Airport Railway Station, and earlier at the Hatirjheel Madhubagh bridge.

No casualties have been reported in these incidents.

Authorities say several branches of Grameen Bank were also targeted in coordinated petrol bomb and arson attacks, while social media has been flooded with incitement and misinformation. 

Intelligence agencies report that Awami League supporters have been using anonymous accounts, pages and groups to spread rumours and mobilise supporters.

Maximum alert nationwide

Asked about police preparedness surrounding the verdict involving Hasina, Assistant Inspector General (Media) of the Police Headquarters AHM Shahadat Hossain said the highest level of security has been enforced across the country.

"We have deployed additional police in Dhaka and other key locations, with special teams on standby in sensitive areas," he told TBS. "Checkpoints are running at major points and patrols have been increased. Any attempt at provocation, vandalism or sabotage will be dealt with as per the law."

Police Headquarters has issued special instructions to metropolitan, district and range units to prevent a repeat of the 13 November cocktail attacks and arson carried out during the lockdown programme.

DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Mohammad Taufiqul Islam said sufficient law enforcement members are on the ground. "Our cyber unit is monitoring social media round the clock. Regular patrols and security operations are underway to prevent any sabotage."

Intelligence officials say banned Awami League networks are actively planning disturbances in the capital. Based on intelligence inputs, tight security has been placed around the tribunal and other critical areas.

District police chiefs have been repeatedly warned to block the movement of banned Awami League activists travelling towards Dhaka. "Social media is being used extensively to spread fear," the official said. "Cyber units are receiving strict instructions every day."

DMP has strengthened checkpoints, foot patrols and mobile patrols, and is conducting raids in hotels, messes and residences based on intelligence.

"We have taken special measures to prevent explosions and arson attacks," DC Taufiqul Islam said. "We have collected information on those who specialise in making crude explosives."

RAB's Director of Legal and Media Wing, Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, said the force is maintaining the same level of vigilance seen during the 13 November lockdown. "Those involved in sabotage are still attempting covert attacks. RAB is on the highest alert to stop them."

Grameen Bank branches targeted

Several Grameen Bank branches were attacked with firebombs over two days.

On Saturday night, a branch office in Sripur, Gazipur was hit with a petrol bomb, damaging parts of its signboard. Sripur police said patrols were increased and an investigation is underway.

Early today, attackers attempted to set fire to the Garidaha branch in Sherpur, Bogura, damaging the front nameplate. Police recovered two empty plastic bottles believed to have contained flammable liquid.

In Faridpur's Madhukhali, assailants attempted to ignite petrol outside a Grameen Bank branch late Friday night. A general diary was filed at the local police station.

Violence outside Dhaka

In Madaripur early today, banned Awami League activists blocked the Dhaka-Barishal highway after cutting down trees and burning tyres. Several crude bombs were detonated. Police said they did not witness any organised blockade but confirmed multiple tree-felling and explosion sites.

In Feni, at around 3am on Saturday, arsonists set fire to the July Memorial near the police station. Witnesses said helmeted attackers poured petrol before fleeing.

Also this morning, a bus parked in South Keraniganj was set ablaze. Police said they are investigating the cause. 

In Mymensingh, a covered van parked by the roadside was torched around midnight. Police said they have yet to find clear evidence of sabotage but are investigating.

In Tongi, Gazipur, police arrested two people with petrol bombs early Saturday. They were allegedly preparing to set fire to vehicles ahead of the verdict.