The government has decided to establish a security cordon using the police, Border Guard Bangladesh and the army to bar programmes by the Awami League and its affiliate organisations around the party’s founding anniversary.
Following the deployment of an additional 18,000 police personnel in Dhaka, the army has been stationed in six districts for a seven-day period starting Tuesday. Moreover, BGB has been deployed in five districts.
Army personnel have been given magistracy power during the special deployment.
Security operations have intensified across the country after Police Headquarters issued a warning to all units last Thursday. Over the past 24 hours, more than 50 leaders and activists have been detained.
These measures coincide with the 77th anniversary of the Awami League – which faces ban on its political activities – on 23 June. Despite a crackdown lasting nearly two years and the ousting of party chief Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, party members have increased street marches and gatherings.
The party announced a week-long schedule of events on its Facebook page, including wreath-laying, flag marches, meetings, protest rallies, and the distribution of leaflets.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the army will remain in the field until 30 June in Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Faridpur, and Gopalganj. He noted that the deployment, based on specific intelligence, aims to prevent sabotage and assist the civil administration.
Alongside the army, BGB personnel will be deployed in Cox’s Bazar, Madaripur, Sherpur, Gazipur, and Moulvibazar districts in coordination with district administrations and law enforcement agencies.
The deployment will remain in effect from Monday evening until 30 June 2026.
Salahuddin had further added that the police have been alerted as a political party prohibited under the Anti-Terrorism Act may attempt to create anarchy surrounding the 23 June target.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) confirmed that special checkpoints and searches have been established at over 200 critical locations and entry points to the capital.
In addition to the 18,000 police members, specialised units – including the Detective Branch (DB) and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit – are active, along with plainclothes intelligence surveillance.
To manage emergencies, 15 Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been prepared at strategic points, and additional reserve forces are on standby. Extensive intelligence work is being conducted by the Special Branch (SB) and the Internal Affairs Division (IAD) to thwart any conspiracies or acts of sabotage.
Responding to the measures, Awami League Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim told the TIMES of Bangladesh that the party cannot be suppressed by state forces. He alleged that the government has chosen a path of repression by banning their activities, but noted that participation in marches, including by women, is growing.
Party Organising Secretary Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury added that the government’s apparent fear is “invigorating” Awami League activists.
