Bangladesh braces for disruptions as former ruling party calls for lockdown to protest Hasina trial
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Classes and transportation in Bangladesh faced significant disruptions on Thursday as former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party initiated a nationwide “lockdown” in protest against her trial over protests from last year which resulted in numerous casualties.
A special tribunal in Dhaka was expected to set a date for the verdict on Hasina, who is accused of crimes against humanity related to a crackdown on the student-led movement that ended her 15-year rule. Hasina has been living in exile in India since then.
Schools in Dhaka and other major cities in Bangladesh transitioned to online classes and exams, while public transportation services were severely disrupted due to increased security measures implemented by the interim government.
The situation has led to heightened tensions in the region, with the now-banned Awami League party encouraging its supporters to protest, while authorities and opposition groups to Hasina have vowed to prevent such actions.
Incidents of bomb explosions and vehicle arson have been reported in Dhaka and other areas over the past few days, indicating a continuation of political unrest in a country known for its history of political violence.
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, is set to address the nation later today, according to his press office. Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government shortly after Hasina’s ousting and pledged to hold her accountable.
Soldiers and other security personnel were deployed on Thursday to safeguard the special tribunal premises where the verdict announcement is scheduled. The case also involves former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, with Al-Mamun serving as a state witness against Hasina.
Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia, with the tribunal’s chief prosecutor seeking the death penalty for Hasina. The United Nations report suggested a high number of casualties during the protests, while Hasina has called for an independent investigation into the matter.
Furthermore, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns to India regarding their interaction with Hasina, who has made statements critical of the current government. The political situation remains tense as both sides are engaged in a war of words and actions.
