Bangladesh has issued a nationwide security alert amid fears of unrest ahead of the founding anniversary of the now-disbanded Awami League, the party once led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said authorities had received intelligence suggesting that Awami League supporters could attempt to create instability around June 23, the party's founding day. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Ahmed said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to maintain maximum vigilance and take all necessary steps to prevent sabotage, public disorder or any disruption to law and order.
"We have intelligence information that Awami League may try to create unrest and instability in the country surrounding June 23," Ahmed said. He added that the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus no longer regarded the Awami League as a political party, describing it instead as a "mafia organisation".
The warning comes nearly two years after Hasina's government was overthrown following the student-led July Uprising of August 2024. The Awami League was subsequently dissolved and barred from contesting elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party later won the February polls, with Tarique Rahman becoming prime minister.
In an internal directive issued on Friday, police headquarters warned that Awami League activists could attempt to mark the anniversary by hoisting party flags, displaying banners and organising processions. Authorities fear such activities could trigger clashes with rival political groups, particularly supporters of the student-led National Citizen Party.
While Dhaka Metropolitan Police said there was no specific security threat, officials confirmed they remained on high alert. Media reports suggest more than 100 Awami League leaders and activists have been arrested in recent operations across the country, including in Dhaka and Chattogram, on allegations ranging from plotting sabotage to organising unauthorised demonstrations.
