Massive violence erupted in Dhaka as the banned Awami League enforced a “Dhaka lockdown” following the tribunal verdict against Sheikh Hasina. Over 195 arrests, 20 vehicle arsons, and 50+ explosions triggered heightened security across the capital, intensifying public fear and political tensions.
Dhaka has witnessed a dramatic escalation in political violence over the past ten days as unrest intensified following the banned Awami League’s announced “Dhaka lockdown”. The party called for the shutdown in response to the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others in a case concerning crimes against humanity.
As the capital braces for more disturbances, at least 195 leaders and activists of the banned party have been arrested, while more than 20 vehicles were set on fire and over 50 explosions involving cocktails and petrol bombs were reported.
Unrest Spreads Across the Capital
The violence began shortly after the verdict announcement and quickly spread across Dhaka and nearby districts. Law enforcement agencies — including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Bangladesh Army, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) — remain on high alert as the city faces continuous threats of sabotage, flash marches, and arson attacks.
According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), more than 20 public and private vehicles have been torched in areas including Ashulia, Gazipur, Jatrabari, Sutrapur, Mirpur, Uttara, Science Lab, and Farmgate. At least 50 explosions of cocktails, petrol bombs, and low-grade hand grenades were reported across key points of the city, further intensifying public fear.
A senior DMP officer described the situation as “highly volatile but under control due to increased patrols and surveillance.”
Explosions and Arson Shake Dhaka
A bus belonging to Alif Paribahan was completely burned down in Ashulia early Wednesday morning after unidentified individuals set it on fire. Three more buses were torched in Gazipur’s Basan and Kashimpur areas on the same day.
On Tuesday night, tragedy struck in Fulbaria, Mymensingh, when a helper sleeping inside a parked Alam Paribahan bus was burned alive following an arson attack. Earlier, two buses in Badda and Notun Bazar were also set ablaze, raising grave concerns over public safety.
Police have also confirmed multiple small explosions in densely populated areas such as Shahbagh, Dhanmondi, Mohammadpur, Malibagh, and Mirpur. Two petrol bombs were thrown at Mohammadpur Preparatory School on Tuesday night, though no casualties were reported.
Police: “Low-Grade Explosives, No Need for Panic”
DC (Media) of DMP, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, stated:
“From November 1 to 11, we recorded 27 cocktail explosions at 15 locations in Dhaka. These are low-intensity, locally made explosives that resemble firecrackers. There is no need for public panic. We are identifying those responsible.”
He added:
“The police are working at full capacity to prevent sabotage. Our operations aim to ensure the safety of Dhaka’s residents as the situation remains highly sensitive.”
195 Arrested From November 3 to 12
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) conducted widespread operations across the capital and arrested 195 leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations. Police say the detainees were directly linked to sabotage, arson attacks, planning violent flash marches, and financing organized disruptions.
Breakdown of DB arrests:
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November 12: 43 arrested
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November 11: 44 arrested
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November 10: 22 arrested
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November 9: 34 arrested
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November 7–8: 25 arrested
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November 3–6: 27 arrested
Detainees include:
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Joint General Secretary of Gajaria Thana Awami League
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Secretary of Religious Affairs, Central Krishak League
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Vice-President, Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League
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President of the Women’s League
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Former upazila chairmen
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Leaders of Jubo League, Chhatra League, Matsyajibi League
Police claim several of them were planning to release 100,000 gas balloons near the State Guest House Jamuna as a symbolic act of “panic creation” under the lockdown program.
A DB spokesperson said:
“The arrested individuals were involved in inciting unrest and public panic under the banner of the banned organization.”
Recovered evidence includes:
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Voice recordings
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Chat logs
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Mobile phone communications
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Financial records linked to sabotage planning
Public Fear Mounts As Violence Continues
Crime analysts warn that this wave of violence resembles the politically charged unrest seen before the 2013 general elections.
Dr Tawohidul Haque, a noted crime expert of Dhaka University, said:
“As political groups blame one another, criminal elements exploit the chaos. Unless this culture of blame ends, the violence will continue.”
He warned that escalating law-and-order challenges could affect the national election environment and reduce voter turnout.
Analysts also fear that without meaningful dialogue and political compromise, the situation may spiral into prolonged unrest.
Security Tightened Ahead of Verdict Date
The tribunal’s verdict related to “crimes against humanity” involving Sheikh Hasina and two others is scheduled for November 17 (Monday). In anticipation, the capital remains under strict security, with checkpoints, additional patrols, and undercover operations in place.
DMP officials reiterated:
“We have taken the highest security measures to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety.”
As Dhaka grapples with explosions, arson, and political uncertainty, residents remain anxious, and law enforcement continues efforts to restore stability in the capital.
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