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Published : 22 Jun 2026, 12:57 AM
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) says it will deploy 18,000 officers across the capital on Tuesday and establish more than 200 special pickets and checkpoints as part of extensive security preparations surrounding the founding anniversary of the Awami League.
The measures were outlined in a DMP statement issued on Sunday, amid days of discussion over the possibility of disorder linked to programmes planned by supporters of the party.
On Thursday, Police Headquarters sent an “urgent message” to field-level units across the country, instructing officers to remain vigilant and take necessary security measures.
According to the message, activists of the Awami League, which is banned from carrying out political activities, may hoist party flags and bring out public processions carrying anniversary banners at party offices in different districts on Tuesday.
It warned of possible clashes with activists from other political groups, particularly the National Citizen Party (NCP), as well as members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The message also raised concerns that supporters could become “angry” with law-enforcing agencies if their activities were obstructed.
Against that backdrop, the DMP said it would take “extensive and foolproof” security measures to maintain law and order and ensure overall public safety.
“To avoid any untoward incidents surrounding the events and maintain security in the city, a plan has been taken to place the whole of Dhaka under a security blanket,” the statement said.
Specialised DMP units, including the Detective Branch (DB) and Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, will remain deployed throughout the day.
The Special Branch (SB) and Internal Affairs Division (IAD) will also conduct extensive intelligence operations in plain clothes to prevent any potential sabotage or conspiracy, police said.
Fifteen quick response teams will be kept ready at key points across the city, while reserve forces will remain on standby at four major control rooms to respond immediately to emergencies.
Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh for India on Aug 5, 2024, in the face of a student-led mass uprising.
After the interim government was formed three days later, senior Awami League leaders, ministers, state ministers and influential MPs were arrested, along with several leaders of allied parties.
Most of the party’s remaining senior leaders are now in hiding.
The Awami League’s activities remain banned pending the conclusion of trials involving Hasina and other party figures over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to the killing of hundreds of people during the crackdown on the movement.
Despite the ban, reports of sporadic Awami League processions continue to emerge from Dhaka and elsewhere across the country, with police occasionally reporting arrests linked to such rallies.
