Why Violence and Bombings Have Shaken Bangladesh Once More

Dhaka, November 13, 2025: Bangladesh is once again on edge as a fresh wave of violence, arson, and crude bomb attacks has gripped the nation ahead of a crucial verdict against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest has revived grim memories of the deadly student-led protests of 2024, which claimed more than 500 lives and led to Hasina’s ouster.

In anticipation of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) decision against Hasina and several senior aides, Dhaka has transformed into a virtual fortress. law enforcement authorities have sealed key entry points to the city, deployed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) alongside the police, and intensified security checks across public transport hubs and roadways.

According to local reports, the capital’s usually bustling streets appeared eerily quiet on Thursday morning, with traffic flow reduced to less than half its usual volume. Several major intersections and highways have been blocked by barricades, effectively bringing parts of Dhaka to a standstill.

Heightened Security Around the International Crimes Tribunal

The ICT, which is expected to announce a date for the final verdict in the crimes against humanity case involving Sheikh Hasina, was under heavy security surveillance. Hasina, who fled to India in August last year following widespread protests, faces multiple charges including conspiracy, incitement, and murder.

Sources indicate that authorities are on high alert amid fears that the ruling could spark renewed nationwide unrest. The Awami League, Hasina’s political party, has reportedly called for a lockdown of Dhaka, demanding fair treatment and condemning what it terms as “politically motivated charges.”

Dhaka Paralyzed by Fresh Violence and Arson

According to The Daily Star, widespread acts of arson and bombings have crippled daily life across the capital and beyond. The violence has spread to several nearby cities, including Brahmanbaria and Gazipur, with reports of government offices, vehicles, and public buses being targeted.

Authorities have blamed the unrest on supporters of the Awami League, alleging that the party’s cadres are attempting to destabilize the interim government ahead of the tribunal’s ruling. However, the party leadership has denied involvement, accusing the administration of orchestrating the attacks to justify a crackdown on its members.

Grameen Bank Branch and Public Transport Attacked

In one of the most serious incidents, a Grameen Bank branch in Brahmanbaria was set ablaze, destroying all documents and office equipment. The bank, founded in 1983 by Nobel laureate and current interim leader Muhammad Yunus, provides microcredit to low-income citizens and has long been a symbol of grassroots economic reform in Bangladesh.

Elsewhere, multiple buses were torched in and around Dhaka, including one near a busy marketplace, while a train coach in the Tejgaon area was also set on fire by unidentified assailants. Buses on the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway were similarly attacked, although no fatalities have yet been confirmed.

Memories of 2024 Unrest Return

The ongoing turmoil has reignited public anxiety over the possibility of another large-scale conflict like the student uprising of 2024, which forced Hasina to step down after weeks of deadly confrontations between protesters and security forces. Political analysts warn that the current violence could spiral into a full-blown crisis if not contained swiftly.

“Bangladesh stands at a dangerous crossroads,” said a senior political observer in Dhaka. “The combination of political vengeance, mass disillusionment, and institutional collapse has created a volatile mix. Without dialogue and accountability, the violence could escalate beyond control.”

As the nation awaits the ICT verdict, Bangladesh remains tense and divided — with its streets once again echoing the sounds of unrest that have repeatedly tested the country’s fragile democracy.