The Dhaka District Police have increased security measures at key entry points to Dhaka in anticipation of the International Crimes Tribunal-1 revealing the verdict date for the case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity. In the meantime, the Awami League, facing a ban on its political activities, has implemented a ‘lockdown’ initiative in Dhaka today.
Authorities have set up checkpoints and are conducting thorough vehicle inspections at strategic locations, such as Aminbazar and Ashulia Bazar, which are crucial gateways to Dhaka. Throughout the day, there has been a noticeable decrease in public transport movement, particularly evident on major roads and highways in Savar, including the Dhaka–Aricha highway.
Officer-in-charge (OC) of Savar Highway Police Station, Saleh Ahmed, mentioned that private vehicles were operating as usual on the highway. However, the presence of public transport and long-distance vehicles was lower than usual, resulting in fewer passengers. He anticipated that traffic conditions would normalize as the day progressed.
At the Aminbazar police checkpoint, officers were observed inspecting passengers in various vehicles, focusing on microbuses and motorcycles traveling towards Dhaka on the Dhaka–Aricha highway. Faisal Alam, the sub-inspector and in-charge of the Aminbazar police outpost, confirmed that routine checkpoints had been established since the previous day to ensure public safety. Though no arrests were made that day, there was a slight decrease in transport activity.
Furthermore, Saiful Islam, the second officer of Ashulia Police Station, mentioned that five checkpoints were established in the Ashulia region, including Ashulia Bazar on the Abdullahpur–Baipail highway, to deter gatherings associated with the restricted AL’s activities.