Police tighten security at Dhaka entry points ahead of Hasina ICT verdict

Dhaka district police have set up checkpoints at the capital's entry points including Aminbazar and Ashulia to prevent any unrest during the banned Awami League's "Dhaka lockdown" programme over the verdict in a crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others.

"The checkpoints have been active since yesterday, and police are on high alert to ensure no one creates any disorder," said Sub-inspector (SI) of Aminbazar police outpost Faisal Alam to The Business Standard today (17 November).

No suspects have been detained or arrested so far at the checkpoints, he added.

Photo: TBS

Additional police have been deployed in several key areas. Officers were seen stopping private cars, microbuses, motorcycles and other public transport heading towards Dhaka, checking passengers' bags and asking about their destinations.

Traffic was lighter than normal on Savar's roads since morning. Office-goers faced difficulties due to a shortage of public transport. Transport workers said the number of passengers was also lower than usual.

"I have been waiting for a long time to go to Mirpur but no bus is coming," said Selim Ahmed, a commuter in the Pakiza area.

"I came out at 7am but still have not found a passenger," said Hasan Amin, who shares rides on Pathao.

Another Pathao driver, Sharif Hossain, said people seemed afraid to travel because of the "lockdown" and he had also not received any passengers.