Law enforcers launch all-out effort to thwart AL's 'Dhaka lockdown' on 13 Nov
Authorities are tracking potential bomb makers and monitoring social media posts calling on Awami League sympathisers to gather
Law enforcement agencies are preparing a full-scale operation to prevent any violent street protests on 13 November, amid reports of a "Dhaka lockdown" planned by the banned Awami League.
Around 60,000 personnel from the police, RAB, and other units are expected to be deployed to avert any potential threat, police sources said.
On Saturday, the DMP held a high-level, closed-door meeting, instructing field officers that failure to control processions or gatherings would result in strict accountability.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Police intelligence warns that religious institutions, schools, and other key establishments could be targeted, with the risk of crude bombings and arson. In the past two days, at least six crude bombs exploded at three locations in the capital, including Kakrail's St Mary Church and St Joseph School.
Authorities are tracking potential bomb makers and monitoring social media posts calling on Awami League sympathisers to gather.
On that day, the International Crimes Tribunal is expected to announce the verdict date in a case concerning crimes against humanity during last year's uprising. Three individuals, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and ex-home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, are facing trial.
"We already have several arrestees in custody and are surveilling internal groups on Messenger, Signal, and WhatsApp. These conversations have helped us detain individuals attempting to destabilise law and order," an additional deputy commissioner said.
"Some AL leaders called for roadblocks while others tipped us off to arrest them. Their internal rifts are aiding our efforts," he added.
Security deployments are planned at strategic points, including Dhaka's entry points and key installations. Plain-clothes intelligence collection on public transport and multi-phase patrolling on foot, motorcycle, and vehicles are underway, he said.
DMP Additional Commissioner SN Nazrul Islam said, "At present, the Awami League cannot carry out any major activities. However, we are receiving substantial information from Facebook and YouTube and are acting on it with full preparation. There is no need for panic. Even without specific threats, several leaders and activists are under surveillance."
The Home Ministry's Core Committee on Law and Order discussed the situation on Tuesday, instructing strict action against troublemakers. Special search operations are set to begin today at Dhaka's entry points, residential hotels, messes, and educational institutions. Additional forces have already been deployed at key locations.
On Saturday, DMP conducted a large-scale security drill across 142 locations, deploying around 7,000 personnel and covering vital installations, including the chief adviser's residence, the Secretariat, High Court, Bangabhaban, and the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon.
Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury of RAB said, "Our field and cyber monitoring teams remain active. While no specific threats have been identified, preparations for deployment, increased patrolling, and additional checkposts will be visible from 10 November. Coordination with DMP headquarters, CID, and other units is ongoing."
Police Additional IGP Khondkar Rafiqul added that disinformation on social media is being taken seriously. "Past attempts by defeated political forces to create confusion indicate they may try again. Our operations will be reinforced and more robust from 10 November."
