Dhaka under security blanket as ICT set to deliver verdict in Hasina’s case today

Dhaka remained under a stringent security blanket on Monday as law enforcement agencies intensified vigilance ahead of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict in a case against Sheikh Hasina and two others over crimes against humanity.

Multiple security layers were in place from the early hours to prevent any untoward incident, with several teams from the police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) patrolling key points across the city, UNB reports.

Vehicle movement remained normal after the Bangladesh Sarak Paribahan Workers Federation announced on Sunday that traffic would operate as usual, defying the ousted Awami League’s planned ‘lockdown’.

People, particularly office-goers and students, were seen commuting without major disruption, and public transport was sufficiently available.

Earlier, the Awami League—whose activities are currently banned—and its affiliated bodies had enforced a countrywide ‘lockdown’ on November 13 as the ICT-1 bench led by Chairman Justice Golam Mortuza Majumder was expected to set the verdict date that day.

The tribunal later scheduled November 17 for delivery of the judgment.

Although the presence of police, Rab, intelligence units and BGB was notably heavy on November 13, traffic across Dhaka was thinner than usual. In contrast, vehicular movement increased significantly on Monday.

Since early morning, areas such as Doel Chattar, High Court Mazar Crossing, Shahbagh, Press Club and Farmgate saw extensive deployment of law enforcement personnel.

Checkposts were set up along strategic routes where officers checked pedestrians, private vehicles and especially motorcyclists.

Officials said motorcyclists are under heightened scrutiny because suspects involved in a series of explosions since November 10 reportedly used motorcycles to flee.

“Given the pattern in previous incidents, we are checking every motorcycle to prevent any attempt at sabotage,” said a duty officer at the High Court area, seeking anonymity.

Security personnel were seen stopping each motorcycle, verifying identity documents and searching bags and helmets. Foot and mobile patrols were also deployed across commercial hubs such as Motijheel, Gulistan and Karwan Bazar.

Business owners in Motijheel said the streets were relatively calm in the morning, but the security presence was “unusually high,” offering reassurance amid ongoing tension.

Heavy security was also reported at major city entry points including Gabtoli, Jatrabari and Mohakhali, where long-distance buses, trucks and private vehicles were being screened.

According to law enforcement agencies, the highest level of alert remains in place to prevent any “spot violence” or organised attempts to disrupt public order on the verdict day.

Authorities said the security measures would continue throughout the day and into the evening.

Despite underlying anxiety over the tribunal verdict, the visible security presence across Dhaka has contributed to a sense of controlled calm as the situation continues to evolve.