Tight Security in Gopalganj Ahead of AL Shutdown, Hasina Verdict
Bangladesh: Local administration in Gopalganj has enforced heightened security as the district braces for Monday’s verdict in the International Crimes Tribunal case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on charge of crimes against humanity. Gopalganj sees an extra attention being hometown of Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina is accused of crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising.
The situation has become more sensitive after the banned Awami League announced an online “shutdown” programme, prompting fears of unrest.
Gopalganj Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman said security forces have been deployed across the district to prevent any untoward incidents.
A total of 700 personnel from the Range Reserve Force (RRF) and the Armed Police Battalion (APBn), 100 members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and an additional 60 police officers are on duty.
He said police remain on maximum alert and are prepared to respond to any situation that may arise during and after the verdict.
The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to deliver its judgment on Monday against Sheikh Hasina and two co-accused.
Local administration sources said the security cordon has been further strengthened due to the Awami League’s newly announced online programmes tied to the verdict.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated nationwide over the past week as crude bomb attacks, arson on buses and trains, and clashes were reported in Dhaka and other districts following the Awami League’s earlier “Dhaka lockdown” call.
Similar unrest led to police arresting 18 party activists in the capital during overnight raids. On Sunday night, two crude bombs also exploded outside the residence of government adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in Dhaka, intensifying security concerns.
In Gopalganj, four cases have been filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with the shutdown programme—two in Sadar, one in Kotalipara, and one in Kashiani. These cases name 199 individuals and list a total of 909 accused. As of Sunday afternoon, police had arrested seven people linked to the cases.
Authorities say the strict measures are aimed at preserving peace in the district during a politically sensitive moment for the nation.
