Court to deliver verdict against Sheikh Hasina on 17 Nov; Bangladesh on high alert

Colombo: Bangladesh's special court, the International Crimes Tribunal, will deliver its verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 17. Tensions are high in Bangladesh in anticipation of the verdict. Sheikh Hasina's party, the Awami League, announced a shutdown on Thursday. Due to the Awami League shutdown, security is tight in the capital, Dhaka, and a lockdown-like situation prevails. Bangladesh is on high alert. A member of the prosecution team stated that the Criminal Tribunal will deliver its verdict as scheduled. Security tightened in Dhaka, army takes to the streets In view of the Awami League shutdown and the verdict against Sheikh Hasina, the government has deployed the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, and anti-riot police personnel in Dhaka. Dhaka's streets appear empty, with limited bus traffic. Many private institutions and universities have decided to conduct their classes online. Media reports claim that unidentified individuals set fire to five empty buses in Dhaka, Munshiganj, Central Tangail, and southwestern Gopalganj. Prosecution demands death penalty for Sheikh Hasina The verdict in the case of crimes against humanity against Sheikh Hasina will be announced on November 17. The prosecution has demanded the death penalty for Sheikh Hasina. Along with Sheikh Hasina, former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and former Police Chief Abdullah Al Manun are also accused in the case. They are accused of trying to suppress the student movement last year, which forced Sheikh Hasina to resign as Prime Minister and leave Bangladesh for India. Sheikh Hasina called the charges against her fabricated and said that the entire case against her is a political conspiracy. She alleged that the tribunal hearing her case is not impartial.