The country has been placed under a tight security blanket as fears mount over possible unrest on 13 November, with Dhaka and other major cities gripped by anxiety following a series of arson attacks and crude bomb blasts.
In the past three days, assailants allegedly linked to ousted Awami League and its front organisations, have set fire to vehicles and hurled improvised explosive devices, spreading panic and prompting law enforcement agencies to launch sweeping operations across the country.
Amid this situation, security has been strengthened at key establishments, including banks, insurance offices, court premises and critical government installations. Private companies have advised employees to remain vigilant.
On Tuesday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) instructed all airports to remain on maximum alert amid fears of possible disruption.
The home ministry, Police Headquarters, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and divisional and district police offices have held a series of emergency coordination meetings since Saturday. Based on advance intelligence assessments, a nationwide security plan has been drawn up to prevent violence or sabotage.
Officials said the situation remains under close watch and that both the home affairs adviser and DMP commissioner have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading or believing rumours.
Police have intensified search operations and surveillance in sensitive areas, including Dhaka’s residential neighbourhoods and transport hubs. Intelligence units are conducting search on messes, hotels and guest houses suspected of harbouring agitators.
Night patrols in the capital have been stepped up amid fears of sporadic attacks. In the past 24 hours alone, four buses and a private car were set ablaze in different parts of Dhaka. On Tuesday night, arsonists torched a Malancha Paribahan bus in front of the Sutrapur fire station, while a driver was killed on Monday night when a passenger coach was set on fire in Fulbaria, Mymensingh.
Crude bomb explosions have also been reported in scattered locations. The tension has kept Dhaka’s streets unusually quiet, with far fewer vehicles and pedestrians than usual on Tuesday.
Adding to public anxiety, fugitive AL leader Jahangir Kabir Nanak urged people via social media to “stay home on Thursday, 13 November, avoid going to work, and keep vehicles off the roads.” Such publicity and propaganda circulated by AL leaders from abroad is instigating their activists in Bangladesh to go for attacks, police said.
On 13 November, the International Crimes Tribunal will set the date for verdict in a case against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Intelligence agencies suspect that her followers may attempt to exploit the situation and carry out violence under the guise of a “Dhaka lockdown programme.”
Senior police officials said Dhaka metropolitan area is under an extensive security cover. The capital has been divided into eight security zones, with around 17,000 police personnel deployed across the metropolis. Mobile and foot patrols have been increased, and surveillance intensified through plainclothes intelligence operatives.
Security has also been reinforced at all religious institutions—particularly churches and temples—following recent incidents involving crude explosives. DMP has directed officers to act firmly against any attempt to disrupt communal harmony or incite religious tension.
Police banned all forms of public gatherings in several areas of Dhaka and launched special drives to prevent sabotage. Railway routes and stations are under special watch, with additional patrols by police and intelligence units.
At the national level, the army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and various intelligence agencies are coordinating closely with police to maintain law and order.
Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, the RAB spokesperson, told TIMES of Bangladesh, “We have intensified cyber monitoring, ground patrols and intelligence operations centring 13 November. Whether the threat stems from rumour or real planning, every piece of information is being verified thoroughly.”
At a press briefing at the DMP media centre on Tuesday, Commissioner SM Sazzat assured citizens there was no cause for panic.
The so-called programme announced by a political organisation, whose activities are banned, and its affiliates for 13 November should not alarm the public, he said, adding that for some time, this group has been spreading misinformation online to destabilise law and order.
He said activists of the party had been gathering in Dhaka from various districts, staging flash processions, detonating crude bombs and setting vehicles ablaze to spread fear.
Since 1 October, police have arrested 552 individuals linked to these incidents, most of whom travelled to Dhaka from outside districts. Police investigators are analysing CCTV footage from affected areas to identify those responsible for the recent wave of violence.
“Alongside police, the army, BGB, RAB and intelligence agencies are all alert and active,” the commissioner added. “There is no reason for the public to be alarmed by isolated acts of sabotage.”
He urged residents not to provide shelter to strangers without verifying their identity and advised hotel and guest-house operators to check National ID cards before admitting guests. Citizens were also requested to ensure that personal and commercial vehicles are not left unattended under any circumstances.
Despite widespread apprehension, life in Dhaka remained largely normal on Tuesday, though many businesses closed earlier than usual and long-distance bus services reported fewer passengers. Police checkpoints and roadblocks were visible across major intersections.
Officials said heightened security measures would remain in force throughout the week, particularly on and around 13 November, to ensure peace and prevent any attempt to destabilise the situation.
