Dhaka plunged into an unprecedented security clampdown after Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Sunday evening “issued a shoot-at-sight order” against anyone involved in arson attacks, cocktail explosions or attempts to harm police and civilians ahead of Monday’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) verdict against Sheikh Hasina and two others.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, the commissioner said: “I have asked to protect life and property. Those who set fire to cars and policemen with cocktails, and those who throw cocktails at vehicles, have been legally ordered to be shot.”
The directive comes as security forces enforce maximum alert across the capital, anticipating unrest surrounding the high-profile judgement.
Since early Sunday, heavy deployments of police, army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and multiple intelligence units have formed a multilayered cordon around the ICT and High Court zone.
Patrols, rooftop surveillance, checkpoints and movement controls have been stepped up across major neighbourhoods.
The verdict will be broadcast live on national and private television channels.
Officials say all units are prepared for any scenario.
Shutdown, violence and rising tension
The banned Awami League’s two-day shutdown, called for November 16–17, has coincided with a surge in cocktail blasts and arson attacks across the capital.
Over the past two days, Dhaka has seen nine arson incidents and repeated explosions in Mirpur, Hatirjheel, Agargaon, New Eskaton and near the Airport railway station.
A pedestrian, Abdul Basir, 50, was injured in one blast on Sunday.
Police say 17 explosions occurred between November 1–11 in 15 locations, with 17 cases filed and 50 arrests made so far.
DMP Commissioner Sajjat Ali earlier described the attacks as part of a coordinated attempt “by an organized sabotage group” to destabilize the city, now leading to last night’s shoot-at-sight order.
Heavy security at ICT–High Court
By Sunday afternoon, the tribunal zone resembled a fortified zone.
Armoured police vehicles were stationed at National Eidgah and Matsya Bhaban intersections.
Snipers and intelligence teams were positioned atop buildings, with mobile scanners and barricades sealing the approach to the ICT.
Ramna Division DC Masud Alam said: “With the verdict being announced, we went on maximum alert from today. BGB and police have been deployed throughout the area.”
Tejgaon Division DC Ibne Mizan added: “Patrols and checkposts have been strengthened. We see no specific threat, but we are taking the highest precautions.”
Major areas — including Dhaka University, Shahbagh, Press Club, Farmgate, Motijheel, Dhanmondi, Karwan Bazar and Gulistan — are under intense surveillance.
The DMP said “not even an inch of the capital” will be left outside security coverage.
DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the heightened measures were tied to the banned party’s shutdown call: “There is no security concern around November 17. But full-strength deployment is in place.”
Detective Branch chief Md Shafiqul Islam echoed him: “Security is normal. Forces are fully ready.”
BGB spokesperson Shariful Islam confirmed the deployment of 14 platoons across Dhaka, Gopalganj, Faridpur and Madaripur.
RAB says its cyber monitoring teams are on elevated alert.
Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury said: “RAB-2 and RAB-3 are maintaining strict security around the ICT. Checkpoints and digital threat monitoring are continuous. There is no need for public panic.”
Public unease grows
Awami League has called for a nationwide “lockdown” during the verdict, claiming the case against Sheikh Hasina is politically motivated.
The government rejects this, saying the prosecution has presented extensive evidence of atrocities from the 1972–75 period.
Business owners and commuters say they remain on edge amid the surge in blasts and arson.
Mirpur trader Sirajul Islam said: “People are panicked. You don’t know where the next explosion will be.”
Commuter Mostafiz added: “After the arson incidents of the last two days, many night shift workers are scared to leave home.”
