Bangladesh Tense as Dhaka Rocked by Explosions Ahead of Verdict in Sheikh Hasina Trial

Tensions in Bangladesh have surged after two crude bombs exploded near Dhaka airport on the night of November 13, just days before the highly anticipated November 17 verdict in the domestic war crimes trial of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Although no injuries were reported, the blasts further unsettled a capital already shaken by escalating political violence.

Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity linked to a deadly crackdown on student-led protests in mid-2024. She fled to India after being ousted from power in August that year and has remained there since.

Wave of Attacks and Arson Grips Dhaka

The run-up to the verdict has seen a dramatic rise in unrest. On November 12 alone, authorities documented 32 crude bomb blasts, while numerous buses were set ablaze across Dhaka and several other districts.

Police have arrested dozens of Awami League activists in recent days, accusing them of orchestrating explosions and acts of sabotage.

A branch of Grameen Bank—founded by Nobel laureate and interim government leader Muhammad Yunus—was attacked, and a train carriage at Dhaka’s central railway station was torched in a separate incident, further heightening fears of a broader destabilisation campaign.

Security Forces Flood Capital

In response, security has been significantly tightened across the city. More than 400 soldiers from the paramilitary Border Guards have been deployed, checkpoints have been reinforced, and public gatherings have been sharply restricted.

Authorities say the measures are aimed at preventing further violence as the nation braces for a verdict that could ignite fresh turmoil.

As Bangladesh approaches November 17, Dhaka remains on edge—its streets tense, heavily guarded, and uncertain of what the coming days will bring.