The banned organization Awami League’s “Dhaka Lockdown” program has visibly impacted traffic movement across the capital.
Although vehicular movement was limited in the morning, it gradually increased after noon.
However, the number of vehicles on the roads remains significantly lower compared to a regular Thursday.
Following the recent incidents of arson and cocktail explosions, city residents remain anxious and alert, with many choosing not to go outside unless necessary.
Offices and courts remained open, forcing professionals to go out for work, but attendance at educational institutions was notably low.
In schools and colleges that did hold classes, student presence was much lower than usual.
Members of law enforcement agencies were seen stationed at several points across Dhaka, maintaining a heightened state of alert. Police also carried out searches in a number of areas.
Long-distance bus services
While traffic movement gradually picked up later in the day, long-distance bus operations remained nearly suspended.
Only a limited number of buses departed from Sayedabad, Mohakhali, and Gabtoli terminals.
Many transport owners kept their vehicles off the roads, fearing arson attacks, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.
According to transport sources, a few major companies operated a small number of buses, but most owners suspended services and refunded advance ticket holders. Some bus services reportedly resumed in the afternoon.
Situation at Dhaka University
The Dhaka University campus saw a much lower turnout of students compared to usual.
Most departments did not hold classes, and those that did saw poor attendance.
The Anthropology Department conducted classes online. Meanwhile, as part of the day’s political activities, Islami Chhatra Shibir organized a protest rally in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture in the morning.
Attack on Awami League office
Around 12:30pm on Thursday the central office of the banned Awami League in Gulistan was attacked and set on fire.
Smoke was seen rising from inside the building, and a mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman outside was vandalized.
From the morning, activists of Islami Chhatra Shibir had been seen gathering in front of the building.
They detained one person suspected of being a member of the banned Chhatra League and handed him over to the police.
Dhanmondi 32 incident
Police detained a teenage boy in the morning and a young man in the afternoon on Thursday from the Dhanmondi 32 area.
Eyewitnesses said the teenager was wearing pants, a coat, and a tie, and carrying a bag containing documents and other evidence seized by police.
According to DMP’s Dhanmondi Zone Assistant Commissioner Shah Mostafa Tarikuzzaman, the boy’s behavior was suspicious, and inconsistencies were found in his statements during questioning.
Police suspect he may have links to a banned organization.
The detained youth, aged 22, is being investigated with assistance from intelligence agencies to determine his identity and purpose.
