<h2 data-start="357" data-end="440">Dhaka tense as ICT verdict on Hasina expected today amid escalating violence</h2>
Dhaka has entered a decisive and combustible day as the International Crimes Tribunal
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prepares to deliver its first verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two others today, 17 November 2025. After months of turbulence and two years of tracking Bangladesh&rsquo;s evolving security landscape, the capital now stands at a critical flashpoint &mdash; one shaped by intensifying protests, targeted arson and a sweeping security lockdown.
The impending verdict, linked to alleged crimes against humanity during the July uprising, has already ignited waves of political mobilisation. The Supreme Court has asked the Bangladesh Army to secure the tribunal premises a day ahead of the judgement, signalling the seriousness with which authorities view the threat environment.
Over the past 48 hours, Dhaka has been shaken by a series of low-intensity but deeply unsettling attacks. A crude bomb detonated in Eskaton on Sunday, injuring a passer-by. Additional blasts were later reported in Karwan Bazar, Jurain and Banglamotor. Police confirmed twin hand-bomb explosions outside the residence of interim government adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, raising further alarm within security circles.
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Simultaneously, a surge in bus arson has spread across Dhaka, Savar and Keraniganj. Several vehicles were torched from late Saturday into Sunday night. In response, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali issued one of the toughest operational orders in recent memory. He instructed officers to &ldquo;open fire on anyone setting fire to a bus or hurling crude explosives with intent to cause loss of life,&rdquo; insisting the directive was lawful and necessary given the escalating violence.
Home Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury maintained that law enforcement agencies had taken &ldquo;all necessary preparations&rdquo; to prevent major disorder during today&rsquo;s verdict. Reaffirming that the judgement &ldquo;must be announced on 17 November,&rdquo; he said that nationwide deployments involving police, Ansar, BGB, army units, the navy, RAB and the Coast Guard were already in place. Special operations would also be conducted ahead of the February parliamentary election.
The adviser confirmed that the 13th parliamentary election would be held in early February, before Ramadan, with more than 850,000 personnel assigned to election security duties.
Meanwhile, Sajeeb Wazed, son of the former prime minister, warned that Bangladesh could face &ldquo;violent unrest&rdquo; if the ban on the Awami League remains in effect. He cautioned that supporters would intensify protests and potentially obstruct February&rsquo;s election unless the party is allowed to participate.
For now, Dhaka remains on edge &mdash; a capital awaiting a historic judgement that could reshape both its political future and its immediate security landscape.

Protesters torch public property in Dhaka

ICT verdict on Sheikh Hasina likely today triggers protests, arson across Dhaka

Hasina Verdict Day Sparks Dhaka Unrest

ICT verdict on Sheikh Hasina likely today triggers protests, arson across Dhaka

November 17, 2025 | 11:29 IST