Sheikh Hasina verdict prompts heightened security, checks in Dhaka

Security has been tightened in Dhaka over the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two other accused for offences committed during the July mass uprising.

The verdict will be delivered on Monday by the three-member judicial panel of International Crimes Tribunal-1 led by Justice Golam Mortuza Majumdar.

This marks the first judgment in any case over crimes committed during the July mass uprising. The two other accused are a former home minister and a former inspector general of police.

Law enforcement personnel are on alert across the capital and other key locations ahead of the verdict. Extensive security measures have been taken around the High Court and the tribunal area. Traffic has been halted on the road from Doel Chattar towards Shikkha Bhaban. Suspects are being searched and questioned.

All sides of the Supreme Court have been wrapped in strict security. Army personnel have been seen positioned at the gates. Security has also been reinforced by police, RAB and other forces inside and outside the International Crimes Tribunal.

Police were seen conducting searches on suspects at Mohammadpur embankment, Karwan Bazar rail crossing, Mirpur, Shahbagh, Moghbazar and Gabtoli. However, normal movement of office-goers and the public was observed in the capital. Traffic was heavy, with public transport and metro rail operating as usual.

Police said members of the police, RAB, BGB and other forces are deployed to prevent any untoward incident.