The BRICS TimesThe Awami League called for a nationwide complete shutdown on Tuesday through a social media statement. The party also announced countrywide demonstrations, protests, and resistance from November 19 to 21.
Worsening Situation Following the Verdict
The situation in Bangladesh had deteriorated significantly. This followed the death sentence given to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, conditions appeared better on Tuesday (November 18, 2025). Despite this improvement, the Awami League called for a complete national shutdown. Security forces are actively monitoring key cities.
Details of the ICT Verdict
Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death on Monday. The charges allege that security forces fired upon pro-democracy student demonstrators. This firing involved drones and helicopters during last year’s coup in Bangladesh. The bench, led by Justice Ghulam Murtaza Mozumdar, issued a 453-page judgment. It convicted Sheikh Hasina of incitement, ordering murder, and failing to prevent the crimes.
Impact on Daily Life
No violence reports followed the decision. Yet, traffic remained extremely light in Dhaka and other major cities. People’s movement was limited due to fears of potential unrest. A Dhaka transport operator observed, “The transport system is slow.” He added, “People are preferring to stay in their homes.” Attendance was also low across many offices and educational institutions.
Heightened Security Measures
Heavily armed police, Rapid Action Battalion, and paramilitary personnel maintained constant patrol. They guarded government buildings, party offices, and major intersections around the clock. Security cordons were maintained in many parts of Dhaka. Monitoring continued at barricades and checkpoints.
Awami League’s Call to Action
The Awami League announced the nationwide complete shutdown on Tuesday. This was communicated through a social media statement on Monday. The party further declared countrywide demonstrations, protests, and resistance from November 19 to 21. The statement asserted, “Our organized democratic movement will continue.” This movement will persist “until the fall of the illegal, unconstitutional government of the killer-fascist (Muhammad) Yunus.” It will also continue until democratic rule is restored.
Hasina’s Response and Party Stance
The Awami League labeled the verdict as politically motivated. They called it malicious, retaliatory, and vindictive. Responding to the ruling, Sheikh Hasina described the accusations as biased and political. She stated the decision was issued by a rigged tribunal. This tribunal, she claims, is run by an undemocratic government lacking a mandate.
