Awami League’s ‘Dhaka Lockdown’: What the Capital Witnessed Throughout the Day

In the capital, the “Dhaka Lockdown” program declared by the banned political party Awami League has led since morning to a shortage of vehicles across the city, empty streets, a standstill in public transport, and widespread suffering among ordinary people.

Following the announcement of the verdict date in Sheikh Hasina’s case by the International Crimes Tribunal, the party’s leaders began promoting the “lockdown” program on social media. In a video message, the party’s presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak called for nationwide protests from November 10 to 13 and a “lockdown” to be observed in Dhaka city from morning to evening on November 13.

However, the government termed these programs “illegal and provocative,” prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify their activities in the capital. From morning, public transport was limited in almost all areas including Farmgate, Shahbagh, Motijheel, Gulistan, Moghbazar, Science Lab, Jatrabari, and Uttara. In some places, no buses were seen; in others, passengers formed long queues. Many were forced to walk to their destinations after waiting for hours without finding transport.

An officer from Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Traffic South Division said, “Today’s main problem is not traffic jams but the lack of vehicles. At least 60 percent fewer public transports are on the roads compared to a normal day.” He added that drivers and helpers have decided not to operate due to fears of clashes or vandalism.

The situation has also affected long-distance bus services. A visit to Gabtoli Bus Terminal revealed it to be nearly deserted since morning. Due to low passenger turnout, many buses could not depart on schedule.

Ali Azgar, a counterman at Golden Line, said, “Passengers are very few today. Normally, at least five buses leave by 8 a.m., but today only two buses departed—both bound for Faridpur. We got no passengers for Barishal or Satkhira routes.”

Shohag Paribahan employee Sajib stated, “The 9:30 a.m. bus to Jashore has been canceled due to no passengers. Even the two morning buses that left had only four to five passengers each.”

Rangpur-bound passenger Sulaiman Hossain said, “The morning bus didn’t leave due to lack of passengers. I’ve been sitting at the terminal for two hours.”

Although silence prevailed in various parts of the capital, intersections were heavily guarded by police, RAB, and BGB. They intensified patrols since morning to prevent any acts of sabotage or violence.

Due to the political tension, office workers and students also faced difficulties. A guardian of a student at Government Laboratory School said, “The situation seemed uncertain, so I didn’t send my child to school.” Mahmud Hasan, a bank officer from Motijheel, said, “I walked to the office because no buses were available. CNG drivers are charging double fares.”

Meanwhile, following the lockdown call, reports have emerged from various areas of sudden processions by Awami League activists, tire burning, and crude bomb explosions. In recent days, incidents of buses being set on fire have also occurred in the capital and other districts.

On the other hand, political parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are on the streets demanding the implementation of the July Charter and a national referendum. Although the BNP has not announced any formal program, sources say it is preparing for any situation.

Law enforcement forces have been seen on alert at all entry points to Dhaka.