Law enforcers have tightened the security across the country and stationed multiple checkpoints in all of Dhaka’s entry points to prevent BNP supporters from entering the capital so they cannot gather over the verdict in the graft cases filed against party chairperson Khaleda Zia.
The former prime minister and five others, including her son Tarique Rahman stand accused of embezzling Tk 21 million in foreign donation meant for the Zia Orphanage Trust.
The three-time premier faces up to life in prison if found guilty of the charges, which means she will be disqualified for running in the parliamentary polls.
The BNP has threatened to take the streets in case of a verdict against the party chief, while the ruling Awami League has called its supporters to be wide awake.
Amid mounting tensions, police have heightened security at all entry points for Dhaka.
Police in Gazipur and Narayanganj have stepped-up security check of vehicles on the highways leading to the capital.
In Dhaka, additional police check-posts have been put up across the city.
Law enforcers were found on Wednesday stepping up security measures in and around the court of Dhaka’s fifth special judge in Bakhshibazar, which heard the graft case against Khaleda brought by the Anti-Corruption Commission.
Several police units, including the Detective Branch and the Rapid Action Battalion or RAB were seen monitoring security measures put up ahead of the verdict.
Assistant Superintendent of RAB-10 Masud Rana said that they have adopted a series of measures in and around the court.
“We have stepped up patrolling and security search in the whole area.”
The RAB and Detective Branch personnel were found installing security cameras across the premises of the court, set up at the Alia Madara ground in Bakshibazar.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police have already prohibited all kinds of gatherings, processions or rally in the city from early morning Thursday until further notice.
Carrying any kind of batons, knives or any other sharp weapon and explosives or inflammable substance have been also barred, according to the notice issued by Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia.
Police in Chittagong have also gone for similar measures.
Traffic in the port city’s road stretching from the Cement Crossing to Patenga’s Peer No 11 will remain suspended from early morning Thursday, the Chittagong Metropolitan Police said in a Facebook post.
According to bdnews24 amid mounting tension over the verdict, which coincides with the school-leaving SSC and equivalent exams, the home minister had said law enforcers will swing into action against any attempt to launch violent protests.
“We are ready to carry out any necessary actions based on intelligence inputs,” Deputy Inspector General Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun said.
Inspector General of Police Javed Patwary on Tuesday spoke with senior police officers across the country through a video conference at the headquarters, which was attended by elite unit RAB’s chief Benazir Ahmed.
