The Supreme Court has formally requested the Army Headquarters to deploy personnel around the Supreme Court and tribunal areas on Thursday to ensure security and maintain public order.
Md Shafiqul Islam, the Supreme Court’s public relations officer, confirmed that the Registrar General’s office sent the request on Wednesday, seeking army presence at the tribunal.
The International Crimes Tribunal is set to announce on Thursday (13 November) the date for delivering its verdict in a case concerning crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July-August Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The case names three accused, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
Court sources said the precautionary measure comes amid escalating political tensions in Dhaka ahead of critical court proceedings.
In response, the Awami League has called for a “Dhaka lockdown” programme the same day, urging mass participation. Since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus banned the activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, party leaders have been promoting the programme from undisclosed locations via social media.
In recent days, multiple incidents of arson attacks on vehicles and crude bomb explosions have been reported in Dhaka and other districts. Meanwhile, Awami League supporters have staged brief flash rallies across the country.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified crackdowns to detain party leaders and activists, setting up checkpoints and conducting vehicle searches on major roads to prevent further unrest.
