Police in Bangladesh ordered to use lethal force ahead of verdict on Sheikh Hasina — amid fears of widespread unrest
Dhaka is on high alert ahead of a major tribunal verdict on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The city’s Metropolitan Police Commissioner, S.M. Sazzat Ali, has reportedly ordered security forces to “shoot those who throw bombs or set vehicles on fire with intent to kill.”
The directive comes amid a surge of violence: crude bomb explosions, arson attacks on buses and other public vehicles — incidents linked to political tension around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) verdict.
According to reports, police say they have the legal authority to open fire under current laws. “Anyone who sets a bus on fire or throws crude bombs with intent to kill should be shot,” Commissioner Ali said over radio communications.
In recent leaked recordings, Sheikh Hasina is reported to have given open orders to her security forces to use lethal weapons. The tribunal’s chief prosecutor, Tajul Islam, claims this was part of a “widespread and systematic” campaign.
As judges prepare to deliver their verdict, the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in several districts to maintain order.
Also Read : “Allah Gave Me Life, He Will Take It”: Sheikh Hasina’s Defiant Message Before Verdict
