Heightened security in Dhaka over deposed PM Sheikh Hasina's trial

The Bangladesh capital on Thursday woke up to heightened security vigil over the Dhaka lockdown call by deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s now disbanded Awami League, coinciding with a tribunal’s planned announcement of a verdict date against her.

“The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) is set to go ahead with its scheduled task,” a prosecution team member of the special court briefly said.

Authorities called up army troops, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)



and police in riot gear to spread a security blanket in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) complex, while their security vigil amid the Awami League prompted thousands to stay indoors.

Witnesses and reports said Dhaka streets looked unusually empty, though many commuters stepped out of their homes and cautiously headed to workplaces and schools.

However, many private institutions, including universities, preferred to operate online, fearing the outbreak of violence.