Bangladesh on edge as verdict looms against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid nationwide unrest and tightened security.

Bangladesh’s interim government has tightened security across Dhaka and other major cities as the country awaits a critical verdict against ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to last year’s violent uprising that ended her 15-year rule.

Large numbers of paramilitary forces and police have been deployed nationwide. The Awami League, Hasina’s party, has called for a nationwide shutdown in protest, dismissing the special tribunal as a politically motivated “kangaroo court.” The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Hasina, who has been exiled in India since her fall from power, as well as for former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. A former police chief, who turned state witness, is not expected to face punishment. All three verdicts are scheduled to be delivered Monday.

Hasina and Khan are being tried in absentia for the killing of hundreds during the student-led uprising in July and August 2024. A UN report earlier this year estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed, though the interim government says over 800 were killed and around 14,000 injured. The unrest escalated further last week as crude bomb explosions and arson attacks disrupted transportation and forced school closures.

As the tribunal prepares to convene, local media have reported new explosions, including one near the home of an adviser to the interim government. Dhaka’s police chief has issued a shoot-on-sight order for anyone caught torching vehicles or throwing explosives. Nearly 50 arson attacks and dozens of bomb blasts have been recorded in the past week, resulting in at least two deaths.

The Supreme Court has requested the deployment of army personnel around the tribunal for additional security. The prosecution says the verdict may be broadcast live on state television.

Hasina, who has survived 19 assassination attempts since 1981, urged her supporters through an audio message not to panic. She maintains that the tribunal is illegitimate, criticizing the state’s appointment of a lawyer to represent her.

Hasina was removed from power on August 5 and fled to India. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of the interim government shortly afterward, promising accountability and banning Awami League activities. He has also stated that elections will be held in February, but Hasina’s party will not be permitted to participate.

Bangladesh remains politically unsettled under the interim administration, with rising unrest and deepening polarization as the verdict approaches.

(AP)