Unrest in Bangladesh as court sets Sheikh Hasina verdict for November 17

Tension gripped Bangladesh after a Dhaka court announced that the verdict in the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be delivered on November 17.

Hasina and her now-banned Awami League have called for a nationwide “lockdown” on Thursday to protest the trial, prompting widespread unrest in Dhaka and other cities. Crude bomb blasts, arson attacks, and transport disruptions have been reported across the country over the past three days.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has deployed additional security, with over 17,000 police personnel and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) troops stationed in Dhaka to maintain order. Schools have shifted to online classes, and vehicle movement near key government areas has been restricted.

The protests follow Hasina’s recent interviews with Indian and Western media from her refuge in Delhi, in which she accused the current administration of endangering ties with India and empowering extremists. Dhaka’s Foreign Ministry has since summoned India’s Deputy High Commissioner, objecting to her being given a media platform while facing trial.

Hasina, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, faces charges of crimes against humanity over a violent crackdown on student-led protests that ended her government in August 2024. Alongside former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan and ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, she has been indicted by the International Crimes Tribunal.

Of the three accused, Hasina and Khan remain fugitives, while Mamun—now a state witness—is in custody. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Hasina and Khan.