The government has rolled out one of its largest security operations in recent months ahead of the 77th founding anniversary of Bangladesh's Awami League, deploying the army in six districts, mobilizing more than 18,000 police personnel in Dhaka, setting up over 200 checkpoints across the capital, and intensifying arrests of party leaders and activists nationwide.
Authorities say the measures are aimed at preventing potential unrest, sabotage and unauthorized political activities surrounding June 23, as the party has called on supporters to mark the anniversary through processions and other programs across the country.
Founded on June 23, 1949, the Awami League is one of the oldest political parties in Bangladesh and played a central role in the country’s language movement, autonomy struggle and the 1971 Liberation War.
The party dominated national politics for much of the past two decades before being removed from power following the political upheaval of August 2024.
This year’s anniversary is the second to be observed since the party lost power and the first since its activities were formally banned by the government.
The Awami League leadership has called on supporters to mark the occasion through prayers, flag-hoisting programs and processions, while authorities have warned that no political activities by the banned organization will be permitted.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said intelligence agencies had detected attempts to create instability and that the deployment of troops was a precautionary measure.
“We have observed activities by the banned Awami League that could create disorder,” he told reporters at the Secretariat on Monday.
“Based on intelligence information, the army has been deployed in several areas to prevent any form of mischief.”
According to a Home Ministry order issued Monday, army personnel have been granted authority under the “In Aid to Civil Power” framework until June 30 in Dhaka, Chittagong and Gazipur metropolitan areas, as well as Narayanganj, Gopalganj and Faridpur districts.
The ministry said there was a risk of sabotage, illegal processions and public disorder that could threaten lives and property if preventive measures were not taken.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions following recent public appearances by Awami League activists despite the party’s ban.
Law enforcement agencies have simultaneously tightened security in the capital.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police said more than 18,000 officers will be deployed across the city, supported by intelligence and specialized units, while over 200 special checkpoints and police pickets have been established.
Security has also been reinforced at all entry points to the capital.
DMP officials said the Detective Branch (DB), Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, Special Branch (SB) and Internal Affairs Division (IAD) would remain active around the clock to detect and prevent any attempt to organize unlawful activities or sabotage.
The police said special drives conducted this month have already resulted in numerous arrests, including individuals accused in political cases and others suspected of involvement in extortion and organized crime.
Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in Cox’s Bazar, Madaripur, Sherpur, Gazipur and Moulvibazar districts, with additional forces kept on standby for rapid deployment elsewhere if required.
The security measures coincide with continuing arrests of Awami League leaders and activists.
Police on Monday arrested 10 alleged activists of the banned party and its affiliated organizations in a raid in the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka following what officials described as intelligence-led operations.
The latest crackdown follows several processions staged by Awami League supporters in different parts of the country, including Dhaka, in recent days.
Some of the gatherings drew particular attention after videos circulated on social media allegedly showing participants issuing defiant slogans directed at law enforcement agencies.
Officials insist the measures are preventive rather than reactive.
