Law enforcement agencies remain on alert across the capital. Patrols and searches are being conducted at various city intersections to thwart the declared “Dhaka Lockdown” programme by the Awami League and potential acts of sabotage.
Although city dwellers are exercising caution, the overall situation in the capital remains normal so far. However, traffic flow at the capital’s entry points is somewhat lower than usual.
This programme by Awami League, all activities of which are banned, coincides with the announcement of the verdict date in the case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others, accused of crimes against humanity, including murder, during the July mass uprising.
In response, a multi-layered security apparatus involving police, RAB, BGB, and Ansar has been strengthened around the tribunal area. Furthermore, a letter has been sent from the Supreme Court to the Army Headquarters regarding the deployment of military personnel.
Abdus Sayem, a pedestrian who works at a private institution in Motijheel near the High Court Mazar Gate, said, “I have been receiving news of sabotage since the day before yesterday. However, the presence of law enforcement provides a sense of security, to some extent.”
A visit to Kamalapur Railway Station around 10am on Thursday revealed a vocal presence of passengers, similar to other days.
Ali Hayder, a passenger on a train bound for Kishoreganj, said, “I was somewhat afraid when leaving home, but I have reached the station safely. I hope to reach my destination without any issues.”
Police activity is noticeable at the capital’s entry points. Vehicles, including motorcycles and auto-rickshaws, are being searched at checkpoints on the road from Narayanganj to Jatrabari at Matuail Junction and in Postogola.
Police members on duty stated that these precautions are specifically to prevent potential subversive activities by the banned Awami League and its associated banned student wing.
However, vehicular movement at the capital’s entry points is slightly less than normal. Buses were also observed to have fewer passengers.
Shahjahan Mia, a helper on a signboard bus heading to Gazipur, said, “Passengers are somewhat fewer today; most are officegoers. Fewer students are boarding.”
Activists from various political parties, including the BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and Islami Andolan Bangladesh, were seen taking up positions at various points in the capital.
At Jatrabari intersection, activists from Jamaat and Islami Andolan were chanting slogans such as “Catch the League, put them in jail” and “The destination of the autocrat will not be in this Bengal.”
Acts of sabotage also occurred on Wednesday night in several areas of the capital. Buses were set on fire in Dholaipar and Mirpur, and an abandoned train coach was set ablaze in Tejgaon. Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the Tejgaon incident.
Furthermore, crude bomb explosions were reported in areas including Mirpur, Shantinagar, Mouchak, Karwan Bazar, and TSC. Six petrol bombs and four cocktails were recovered from the Rayerbazar Intellectual Graveyard area.
To bolster security, patrols, drives, and checkpoints have been established throughout the capital.
Staff at hotels in the Kamalapur area reported that since Monday night, members of the police and intelligence agencies have been verifying guest identities and, if suspicious, questioning them in their rooms.
Meanwhile, on the initiative of the Police Headquarters, a virtual meeting was held yesterday with Superintendents of Police from all 64 districts.
The meeting instructed them to intensify checkpoint and patrol activities, alert transport workers and owners about arson terrorism, and enhance security for critical point installations (CPIs). They were also advised to be cautious to ensure ordinary citizens are not harassed.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association has announced that public transport will operate across the country despite the “lockdown” programme. Workers have been advised to remain vigilant while performing their duties.
To uphold law and order across the country, members of the BGB and Army have been deployed alongside the police. The security forces have stated they are fully prepared to prevent any potential sabotage.
