Bangladesh On Edge: Verdict Day Set For November 17 In Sheikh Hasina’s Trial Amid Widespread Unrest
As the former Prime Minister faces a tribunal verdict, violent protests and nationwide lock-downs ignite across Bangladesh
Bangladesh is under high alert as a special tribunal has scheduled the verdict for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 17. The hearing concerns charges of crimes against humanity linked to the violent protest crackdown of summer 2024.
The trial has deepened political fault-lines and sparked massive disruption. Her party, the Awami League, which has been banned, called for a nationwide lock-down on Thursday in protest — prompting reports of arson, crude explosions and major transport disruption.
Government forces have tightened security across Dhaka and other major cities. Schools shifted to online classes; vehicles and public transport were halted in many districts. The scale of protests and unrest reflects the high stakes of this legal and political moment.
Officially, the tribunal has charged Hasina and two others over alleged atrocities committed during the student-led uprising in 2024 — when the government claims hundreds died amid the chaos.
The verdict is widely expected to intensify Bangladesh’s political crisis. Analysts say the outcome will not only shape the country’s future governance but also impact its relation with neighbouring countries and global human-rights partners.
