Dhaka, Nov 12 (V7N) — The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested 44 more leaders and activists of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations from various parts of the capital, as part of heightened security measures ahead of Thursday’s verdict in the crimes against humanity case against Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

The information was confirmed on Wednesday (November 12) by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman.

Earlier, during a briefing at the DMP Media Center on Tuesday (November 11), DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali said that 17 cases had been filed and 50 people arrested on charges of sabotage within the previous 24 hours.

He added that since October, 552 people have been detained for participating in 14 processions organized by the banned party, most of whom were allegedly brought from outside Dhaka in exchange for money. The commissioner also revealed that minors were used in several of those processions.

Commissioner Sajjat Ali further instructed all authorities to tighten security, including verifying voter IDs when renting out mess hotels and ensuring that public transport remains secure. He reassured that there is no reason to panic about November 13, noting that lawyers will not be obstructed from accessing the courts and that security will be further enhanced on the day of the verdict.

Meanwhile, with the ‘Dhaka Lockdown’ program announced by the banned Awami League, law enforcement agencies have ramped up operations to prevent potential unrest. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Dhaka and nearby districts, with 14 platoons patrolling key points across the capital.

BGB members were seen stationed at critical locations including the High Court area, Bangla Academy, and the Hotel Intercontinental intersection. Additionally, a large contingent of police and RAB personnel has been deployed on Dhaka’s main roads since dawn.

END/SMA/AJ