Bangladesh braces for tribunal verdict against Sheikh Hasina
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Bangladesh deploys security forces ahead of a tribunal verdict against Sheikh Hasina, who faces crimes against humanity charges over the 2024 unrest.
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Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, center, is flanked by her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, left, and sister Sheikh Rehana as she speaks to the media after casting her vote in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sunday, January 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
The interim government in Bangladesh tightened security across Dhaka and other major cities on Monday ahead of a highly anticipated tribunal verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s student-led uprising that resulted in the deaths of hundreds and brought her 15-year rule to an end.
Hasina, now in exile in India, is being tried in absentia alongside former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. Both face the death penalty for their roles in the deadly unrest in July and August 2024. A third defendant, a former police chief who turned state witness, is not expected to face punishment.
To preempt possible unrest, paramilitary border guards and police were deployed throughout the capital. Authorities also reinforced key locations across the country following explosions, arson attacks, and mass disruptions reported over the past week.
The country's Supreme Court requested military deployment around the tribunal building, and Dhaka's police chief issued a shoot-on-sight order for anyone caught throwing crude bombs or setting vehicles on fire. Nearly 50 arson attacks and dozens of explosions were recorded nationwide, leaving at least two people dead.
Read more: Bangladesh: Hasina's Awami league banned from elections
Awami League protests, calls tribunal a 'kangaroo court'
Hasina’s Awami League party has called for a nationwide shutdown to protest the proceedings, repeatedly denouncing the tribunal as a “kangaroo court.” In an audio message, Hasina urged her supporters not to be “nervous” about the outcome.
The tribunal, which set Monday for the verdict, may televise its decision through state-run Bangladesh Television and other local networks.
Read more: Bangladesh tries top officers for disappearances after 2024 protests
Crude bombings, arson escalate nationwide unrest
The country has seen escalating violence in recent days, with crude bomb blasts disrupting daily life and forcing the closure of schools and public transport. A bomb exploded outside the home of a senior government advisor on Sunday, adding to growing public concern.
Hasina was ousted on August 5, 2024, fleeing to India shortly afterward. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government three days later. He banned the Awami League’s activities and pledged to bring Hasina to justice.
Yunus has said that general elections will be held in February, but Hasina’s party will be barred from participating. Meanwhile, political uncertainty under the interim government continues, with stability still out of reach.
