Dhaka is under heavy security today as authorities respond to recent incidents of unrest, the Awami League’s announced “lockdown programme,” and an upcoming court date in a case involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Police have established checkpoints on major roads and intersections throughout the city, with army personnel, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers also deployed to patrol key areas.

Traffic across the capital appeared lighter than usual, and ridership on the metro rail also declined amid the heightened security measures.

Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mohammad Talebur Rahman, told reporters that officers have been stationed outside nearly all significant institutions across the city.

The security measures follow a series of violent incidents in recent days. On Monday and Tuesday, at least 17 crude bomb explosions were reported nationwide, alongside the burning of nine vehicles. Earlier today, four buses were set ablaze in Gazipur and Ashulia, on Dhaka’s outskirts.

The Police Headquarters had previously instructed all Dhaka stations to intensify patrols and monitoring ahead of the Awami League programme, which coincides with the International Crimes Tribunal’s expected announcement of the verdict date in Sheikh Hasina’s case.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) has issued special security alerts for all airports, calling for increased vigilance at terminals and entry points.