Post by : Rameen Ariff

Tensions are escalating in Bangladesh as the country braces for the November 17 verdict in former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s trial. The unrest has intensified following calls from Hasina and her now-banned Awami League party for a nationwide lockdown on Thursday in protest against her trial, which has triggered widespread violence and disruptions across major cities, including Dhaka.

Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since her ouster in August 2024, faces charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a violent crackdown on mass protests that ended her 15-year rule. The trial, conducted by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal, also involves former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun — the latter having turned state witness during the proceedings.

Bangladesh Summons Indian Diplomat Over Hasina’s Media Access

The current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has expressed strong objections to Hasina’s recent interviews with Indian and Western media outlets. The Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka to protest against New Delhi “harbouring a fugitive under trial” and allowing her to “advocate hatred and incite violence.”

Sources said the Yunus administration urged India to restrict Hasina’s media interactions, claiming her remarks could destabilize Bangladesh further.

Hasina’s Response From Exile

In her media appearances, Sheikh Hasina defended her record and called for “free, fair, and participatory elections” in Bangladesh. She expressed willingness for the Awami League to contest the polls if conditions permitted and accepted responsibility for the violence that marred her final days in power.

Hasina also praised India for providing her refuge, saying she was “immensely grateful to the Indian government and people for their kind hospitality.” Contrasting her leadership with that of the current interim government, she accused the Yunus administration of “weakening ties with India and empowering extremist forces.”

Violence and Protests Intensify

As the verdict date approaches, Bangladesh has seen a surge in unrest. Over the past three days, reports of crude bomb explosions and vehicle torchings have emerged from Dhaka, Chittagong, and other cities. On Wednesday night, a train and a bus were set ablaze in the capital, while earlier explosions were reported near Dhaka University.

Schools in several cities have shifted to online classes, and public transportation has been severely disrupted. Authorities have deployed more than 17,000 Dhaka Metropolitan Police personnel, along with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) units, to maintain order.

In a statement, the Awami League denied involvement in the violence, alleging that the interim government was “sponsoring acts of terrorism to frame opposition supporters.”

Trial Verdict and Political Implications

The International Crimes Tribunal is expected to deliver its verdict on November 17. Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam has sought the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan, accusing them of orchestrating crimes against humanity during the August 2024 crackdown.

While Hasina and Khan remain fugitives, the tribunal has been telecasting proceedings live, drawing significant public attention. The outcome is expected to shape Bangladesh’s political trajectory, as Hasina remains a deeply polarizing figure — admired by her loyalists and vilified by her opponents.

With the lockdown call and mounting unrest, Bangladesh finds itself on edge, awaiting a verdict that could either close a painful chapter or ignite further turmoil in the nation’s political landscape.

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