Bangladesh Police Conducts Major Security Drill in Dhaka Amid Unrest Fears Ahead of Protests

In preparation for potential unrest, Bangladesh police executed a significant security drill across Dhaka. With 7,000 officers deployed, concerns about law and order have heightened ahead of the November 13 protests linked to Sheikh Hasina's trial.

Bangladesh police conducted a significant security drill in Dhaka on Saturday. This exercise was in preparation for the Awami League's "Dhaka Lockdown" event planned for November 13. Reports from local newspapers, citing unnamed sources within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), indicated that approximately 7,000 officers participated in the operation at 142 locations, including the residence of interim government leader Muhammad Yunus.

Witnesses noted an increased police presence throughout Dhaka, raising concerns among residents about potential unrest on November 13. The DMP described the deployment as part of their "regular security exercise." Officers in riot gear, including helmets and body armour, were stationed at key intersections, conducting bag checks and questioning pedestrians while inspecting suspicious vehicles.

Security Measures and Political Context

The DMP's spokesman, Muhammad Talebur Rahman, stated that these activities are part of their routine operations to ensure readiness for emergencies. He mentioned that officers of various ranks participated in Saturday's exercise. An anonymous DMP official explained that the "mega drill" aimed to test police coordination and readiness while deterring potential violence or unrest ahead of November 13.

The drill occurred three days after the army reduced its policing presence by withdrawing half of its 60,000 troops. The military cited the need for rest and training but assured support for the upcoming February election with additional forces if needed. The political situation in Bangladesh has been tense since a student-led protest ousted Sheikh Hasina's regime on August 5, 2024.

Political Turmoil and Legal Proceedings

Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India following her government's fall, while many party leaders faced arrest or went into hiding. Courts have generally denied bail petitions for these leaders. Muhammad Yunus returned from Paris to lead the interim government as chosen by student protestors. He disbanded the Awami League until its leaders faced justice for alleged crimes.

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) is expected to announce a date for delivering judgment against Sheikh Hasina after her trial in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity. Despite being banned from political activities, Awami League members continue to stage flash protests, appearing briefly on major roads before dispersing to avoid police action.

Ongoing Arrests and Future Plans

The DMP reported that at least 3,000 Awami League activists and grassroots leaders were arrested until last month. Police continue daily raids to apprehend them at their hideouts. Jahangir Kabir Nanok, an Awami League presidium member currently in India, announced a "lockdown-like" protest for November 13. However, police have not confirmed if current deployments are related to this announcement.

Bangladesh's political landscape remains uncertain with the exclusion of the Awami League from political activities and ongoing disputes among other major parties like Khaleda Zia’s BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming elections and ongoing legal proceedings against former leaders.

With inputs from PTI