United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka is on the edge ahead of Thursday’s (13th November 2025) planned ‘lockdown’, as reports of arson and crude bomb explosions have heightened public anxiety. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed across the city to prevent potential violence. At a press conference on Wednesday, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sajjad Ali said the force was fully prepared to avert acts of sabotage associated with the lockdown. “We hope Dhaka residents will stand with us to resist this lockdown and maintain peace,” he said, adding that additional police personnel had been stationed at all city entry and exit points. BGB deployment Fourteen platoons of the BGB have been deployed in Dhaka and surrounding districts since Wednesday morning, according to BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam. Read more: 14 platoons of BGB deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts Twelve platoons are stationed at key points within the capital, while two are deployed in nearby districts. “BGB members are patrolling strategic areas including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Park, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue,” he said. Violence The unrest has already left its mark on the city. On Tuesday night, miscreants set fire to a Malanch Paribahan passenger bus near Sutrapur Fire Station. Crude bomb explosions were also reported in Hatirjheel, Karwan Bazar and other parts of Dhaka. Another bus set on fire in Dhaka’s Sutrapur An official from the Fire Service and Civil Defence told UNB, “At least five arson incidents have been reported in the capital in the past 24 hours. However, no casualties were reported.” Political Backdrop The planned ‘lockdown’ follows an announcement by the Awami League ahead of a verdict by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity. Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh to India on 5 August 2024, and political instability has since deepened. Read more: Security tightened countrywide ahead of Nov 13 ‘lockdown’: Home Adviser Public Anxiety Despite repeated assurances from law enforcement agencies, fear remains palpable among residents. “We’re scared because buses may not run tomorrow. We’ve already heard about fires breaking out in some areas over the past several nights,” said a passenger at Gabtoli Bus Terminal. Police Warning & Advice The DMP Commissioner warned of strict action against anyone involved in violence or vandalism. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said, urging residents to remain vigilant.

The government has deployed 14 platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Dhaka and adjoining districts to maintain law and order amid incidents of vehicle torching by miscreants. Shariful Islam, Public Relations Officer at the BGB headquarters, said on Wednesday morning (12th November 2025) that 12 platoons have been stationed in Dhaka, while the remaining two have been deployed in nearby districts of the capital. The paramilitary force has been positioned at key locations including Hotel Intercontinental, Dhanmondi-32, Airport, Abdullahpur, Kakrail, Shishu Academy, the High Court area, and Abrar Fahad Avenue. 3 buses set on fire in Gazipur Miscreants set fire to buses in Dhaka, Gazipur and other districts to create panic among the public, as the Awami League announced a ‘lockdown’ for November 13 ahead of the verdict dae to be set by the International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and others in a case involving crimes against humanity.

Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury on Tuesday (11th November 2025) said law enforcement agencies are on high alert ahead of the Awami League’s planned Dhaka ‘lockdown’ programme on November 13, assuring that the situation will remain normal. The adviser made the remarks after a meeting of the advisory council committee on law and order at the Secretariat. Read more: DMP bans gatherings near CJ’s residence, SC areas from Tuesday “There had been detailed discussions here and we need your cooperation in one matter. If anyone is found suspicious, immediately inform the law enforcement agencies,” he said. He said law enforcers are in a strong position and there is no cause for concern, as they will remain vigilant. “No leniency will be shown to terrorists. You often say terrorists get bail very quickly. To ensure they do not get bail easily, we will also request the authorities not to release terrorists on easy terms,” the adviser said. Read more: Govt vows to protect interfaith unity, communal harmony