Alert+

Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Ahead of Hasina Verdict

Violence and Protests Escalate Ahead of Hasina Verdict Announcement

SITUATION SUMMARY | Intelligence cut off: 11:00 BST 13 NOVEMBER 2025

On 13 November, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal announced that it will issue a verdict in the case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her top aides on 17 November. Hasina, who was ousted in the 2024 student-led July Revolution, is being tried in absentia (having escaped to India) for offences including crimes against humanity and murder, related to her conduct during the uprising.

Hasina’s party, the Awami League (AL), has called for a “lockdown” on 13 November, with marches in Dhaka and other major Bangladeshi cities. In response, authorities have significantly increased police presence across major cities, including by redirecting 14 border guard platoons to Dhaka and surrounding districts.

Several firebombings and detonations of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) occurred in the days leading up to the 13 November announcement. These included at least 17 IEDs being detonated at locations across Dhaka on 10 November, attacks targeting vehicles across the country on 12 November, and several firebombings targeting religious minority institutions, including the Catholic Cathedral in Dhaka and a Catholic-run school.

On 13 November, clashes broke out in Dhaka, where the AL office in the Gulistan area of the city was firebombed. Moreover, several attempted blockades of key roadways occurred on 13 November. At least one bus was set on fire on the Dhaka-Tangail highway. Authorities have stated that they have detained more than 50 AL supporters between 12 and 13 November.

Airports and other transport hubs have been placed on high alert. Several schools have switched to online teaching. Authorities have set up dozens of checkpoints across major roads and highways, particularly those leading to large cities.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Political Violence and Sectarian Attacks Likely to Intensify Ahead of Verdict

Violent civil unrest has increased significantly across Bangladesh in the aftermath of the July Revolution. Cases of large-scale mob violence, often led by local student political groups, have repeatedly coincided with important anniversaries of domestic and international events. Violence between opposing political parties, or even opposing factions within parties, is the most frequently reported. However, post-revolution violence has also disproportionately targeted local religious and ethnic minorities.

The ongoing unrest is highly likely to continue until the verdict is announced on 17 November and will highly likely continue in the immediate aftermath. The unrest will highly likely take the form of clashes between AL and other parties’ supporters – particularly those of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) – and between AL supporters and police. Opportunistic attacks on minority places of worship and other institutions remain likely during the unrest, as demonstrated by the recent firebombings on Catholic sites.

Focal points for protests will likely include universities, main public squares in large cities, and the vicinity of party headquarters. Protests in Bangladesh often coincide with road blockades, with protesters erecting improvised barricades and often attacking transiting vehicles. There is a realistic possibility of unrest near airports, which could cause flight delays or cancellations.

Bangladeshi police will likely respond to all unrest with violent crowd control methods. These include tear gas, baton charges, water cannons, and, in some cases, live ammunition. There is a realistic possibility that police actions will escalate unrest.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Bangladesh

Avoid all major government buildings, universities, and police facilities in Dhaka and other major cities. Avoid all places of worship throughout Bangladesh.
Avoid all travel to the Dhanmondi area of Dhaka, where the International Crimes Tribunal is located. Reconsider travel to central Dhaka.
Allocate additional time for all road travel in Bangladesh.
Plan for potential internet and communications disruptions; ensure you have emergency contacts saved on your phone and plan any potential travel routes. Emergency contacts should include the local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from authorities. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in a secure accommodation. Adhere to curfews.
Ensure you have personal identification documents with you. If stopped at a police checkpoint, comply with all orders.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
If available, monitor your intelligence provider’s alerting platform and trusted local media for updates relevant to the unrest.

Request Evacuation Assistance

If you need secure, coordinated support to move personnel out of a high-risk location, our team is ready to help – quickly, calmly, and with care.