Dhaka On High Security: 7,000 policemen on the streets in Dhaka, searching every corner. An atmosphere of fear in Bangladesh before Sheikh Hasina’s trial – Is ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ of November 13 a sign of some big uproar? Know why security was increased.
New Delhi. Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is on full alert at this time. There is heavy police presence on the roads, intersections are blocked and every vehicle is being checked. All this is happening at a time when ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League has announced ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ on November 13. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) organized a massive security drill at 142 places in the capital. About 7,000 policemen became part of this mega drill. These areas also included the residence of interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.
Is Bangladesh moving towards violence again?
The question is arising that why security exercise on such a large scale in Dhaka? In fact, on August 5, 2024, student movements ousted Hasina government from power. Since then there has been political tension in the country. Sheikh Hasina has taken refuge in India, and many top leaders of her party are either in jail or absconding. Now, as the anti-humanity crimes case against Hasina is nearing its verdict, tension is increasing in the capital. Police fear that violence may erupt during the ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ on November 13.
Withdrawal of army and increased pressure on police
This mega police drill took place at a time when the army has withdrawn half of its 60,000 soldiers from policing duty. The army said troops needed “rest and training” but would return to full strength ahead of elections in February. However, after the withdrawal of the army, the entire burden of maintaining law and order has fallen on the police. For this reason, the police conducted this mega security drill in the capital so that any possible violence could be dealt with.
What is Dhaka Police saying?
Dhaka Police claims this is a “routine security exercise”. “We want to be prepared for every possible emergency. This is just an exercise to test our readiness,” DMP spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman said. But according to eyewitnesses, the situation does not seem normal. On the streets, policemen in anti-riot gear and soldiers wearing steel helmets and body armor are checking every passerby. Both fear and anxiety have increased among people.
How important will November 13 be?
On November 13, Sheikh Hasina’s party Awami League announced ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ across the country. On the other hand, the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT-BD) may soon give its verdict against Hasina. Both incidents are scheduled to happen in the same week, creating an atmosphere of instability and tension in Dhaka. This exercise of the police clearly indicates that the government wants to be prepared for any possible violence or political conflict.