Bangladesh: A lockdown is imminent in Dhaka, with heavy police deployment at Md. Yunus’ residence.

Dhaka. Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is not in the country, but her influence has deeply threatened the current Yunus government. A single appeal from Sheikh Hasina has so alarmed the government that the entire city of Dhaka has been turned into a cantonment. Police conducted a large-scale, coordinated security exercise in the capital, Dhaka, on Saturday. This exercise was conducted ahead of the proposed Dhaka lockdown on November 13th by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s now-disbanded Awami League. Various newspapers, quoting Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources, reported that approximately 7,000 police personnel participated in the exercise at 142 key locations across the city, including the residence of interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, to control potential violent street protests next week.

Eyewitnesses reported an increased police presence in Dhaka, raising concerns among residents about the law and order situation on November 13th. Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal is soon to announce a date for the verdict against Sheikha Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity after a trial in absentia. Dhaka police described the deployment as part of their routine security exercise. Large numbers of police personnel were seen deployed at major intersections in the capital, wearing anti-riot equipment, such as steel helmets and body armor. They were checking pedestrians’ bags, conducting interrogations, and inspecting suspicious vehicles.

Preparing for Emergency Situations
Dhaka police spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman told reporters, “Our regular operational activities include quick response exercises to be prepared for any emergency.” He added that officers of various ranks participated in the exercise. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Saturday’s mega drill was not only meant to test police coordination and readiness, but also as a deterrent to prevent any potential violence or unrest in the capital before November 13. The exercise came three days after the army withdrew half of its approximately 60,000 troops deployed on policing duties for the past 15 months. The army said the troops needed rest and training but promised full support, with additional forces deployed for the elections scheduled for February.

On August 5, 2024, student-led protests toppled Hasina’s regime, forcing her to seek refuge in India. Most of her party and government leaders have either been arrested or are absconding, both domestically and abroad, as courts generally reject their bail applications. Yunus returned from Paris and took over leadership of the interim government as the nominee of the student protesters and dissolved the Awami League until its leaders, including Hasina, were brought to justice for their crimes.