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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 16 Nov 2025 11:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, is on high alert after a series of crude bomb explosions struck key locations on Sunday, intensifying tensions ahead of Monday’s highly anticipated verdict against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The blasts, though causing no casualties, have deepened anxiety in a city already rattled by weeks of political violence and uncertainty.
The first explosion occurred around 9:00 pm local time outside the residence of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Water Resources. Two crude “cocktail” bombs detonated near her home in the Central Road area. Local media outlet Prothom Alo reported that no one was injured.
Shortly after, another blast targeted the party office of the National Citizen Party (NCP), further heightening unrest. The attacks are the latest in a wave of violence gripping the capital ahead of the verdict in Hasina’s trial.
Hasina Trial Fuels Tensions
Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. The former leader has denied all allegations and has been residing in India since she fled the country following her ouster in August last year.
Authorities have significantly tightened security across Dhaka, Gopalganj, Hasina’s hometown, and neighbouring districts. Border Guard Bangladesh units have been deployed to support local law enforcement.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has issued strict orders: officers have been authorised to open fire on anyone involved in arson or attempts to cause death through crude bomb attacks.
Citywide Crackdown And Escalating Unrest
In a statement late Sunday, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing announced that police and Rapid Action Battalion teams had launched an extensive manhunt to track down those behind the blasts. The government also warned against any attempt to disrupt communal harmony, promising stern action.
The incidents are part of a broader chain of attacks spanning the entire day. Major intersections and government institutions are now heavily guarded, leaving Dhaka’s normally chaotic streets eerily quiet.
“It’s very tense, hardly anyone is coming out,” said Ramjan Ali, an autorickshaw driver. “I’ve been on the road since morning, but I’ve barely earned anything.”
Over the past several days, authorities recorded more than 30 crude bomb explosions, along with numerous buses torched across districts. Dozens of Awami League activists have been arrested for alleged involvement in sabotage and violence.