• Several crude bomb explosions have occurred in Dhaka as tensions rise ahead of a verdict for former PM Sheikh Hasina.
• Hasina is being tried in absentia for alleged crimes against humanity related to violent protests in 2024.
• Security measures have intensified with police receiving shoot-to-kill orders in response to arson and violence.
• Political unrest has led to over 30 reported bomb blasts and multiple arrests in the lead-up to the verdict.
• The verdict is to be broadcast live as the nation braces for potential unrest following the ruling.

Several crude bombs exploded in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on November 16, increasing tensions ahead of a verdict expected on November 17 in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The blasts, which occurred amidst a week of political unrest, reportedly caused no casualties but added to the anxiety gripping the city, which has seen acts of violence recently, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Hasina, 78, is facing trial in absentia for allegedly commanding a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. She has denied all accusations and has been residing in India since her ouster in August last year. Security has been heightened, with the Dhaka Metropolitan Police issuing orders to shoot on sight anyone involved in violence, underscoring the government's preemptive measures against further unrest, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

In the face of rising unrest, police and Rapid Action Battalion teams have been deployed around key government installations, leading to unusually quiet streets. Despite no reported casualties, the atmosphere remains tense, with one local saying, “It’s very tense — hardly anyone is coming out,” according to Reuters and India Times.

Authorities have documented over 30 bomb explosions and several bus burnings leading up to the verdict, with numerous arrests made among Awami League activists allegedly involved in violent activities. As the International Crimes Tribunal – Bangladesh readies for the verdict, anticipation grows, with predictions suggesting a potential death penalty for Hasina despite her being in exile, as highlighted by analyst Michael Kugelman, who stated that there is a “very good chance” of a ruling against her, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.