The International Crimes Tribunal is set to deliver its verdict on Monday in the case accusing former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two others of committing crimes against humanity during the July Uprising. Tension rose across Dhaka on Sunday night after multiple improvised explosive device (cocktail) blasts were reported in different locations.

From Sunday evening (16 November) until the latest reports came in, explosions occurred in more than a dozen spots, including in front of Environmental Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan’s residence, near the NCP office, Karwan Bazar’s Saarc Fountain, Mirpur 12, Shyampur, Mohakhali, Darus Salam, and Badda. In some areas, attackers also set fire to buses. No casualties were reported.

Two explosions took place on Central Road in the New Market area around 9 p.m., right outside Rizwana Hasan’s home. Around the same time, another blast near the NCP office in Banglamotor sent pedestrians and commuters into panic.

Meanwhile, anticipating possible unrest ahead of the verdict, law enforcement agencies have enhanced security measures at Dhaka’s entry points, set up additional checkpoints, deployed more police, and increased intelligence surveillance along rail and river routes. Police stations across the capital have been instructed to prevent members of the banned Awami League from entering Dhaka.

Security Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that all necessary preparations have been taken to prevent any untoward incidents.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sajjat Ali warned that if there is any attack on public safety or police personnel, officers are authorized to respond with gunfire under the law.

Deputy Police Commissioner Muhammad Talebur Rahman added that extra forces have been positioned around the International Crimes Tribunal and other key establishments, and any attempt at sabotage by any group will be met with strict legal action.