A wave of violence and unrest swept across southern Bangladesh on Thursday as activists of the now-banned Awami League enforced a self-declared “lockdown” programme, triggering widespread chaos on major highways and key infrastructure points.
At the Padma Bridge’s Jajira end in Shariatpur, protesters blocked the Dhaka–Bhanga Expressway early in the morning, setting a truck ablaze and hurling crude bombs, locally known as cocktails. Vehicular movement came to a standstill for nearly two hours before police intervened. Two suspects were detained, and traffic partially resumed around 8:30 a.m.
In Gopalganj, unidentified attackers hurled several petrol bombs inside the Public Works Department (PWD) compound, igniting a government vehicle. Employees managed to contain the fire before it spread to nearby buildings. Law enforcement agencies have since tightened surveillance across the district, which remains tense but under control.
Further west, Awami League activists reportedly cut down trees and burned tyres on sections of the Dhaka–Khulna Highway in Faridpur’s Bhanga area, effectively blocking the route for more than four hours. Police and fire service units were deployed to clear the debris and reopen the highway by midday.
Meanwhile, in Tangail, a passenger bus was set on fire by unknown people around midnight on the Dhaka–Jamuna Bridge Highway. The blaze engulfed the rear of the vehicle, but passengers escaped unharmed thanks to quick action by locals and firefighters.
While much of the southern region remained on edge, the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Narayanganj experienced heavy security patrols but no major violence. Over 500 police officers were deployed to maintain order as movement slowed amid fear of further clashes.
Lockdown Linked to Political Tensions
The Awami League, which was officially banned last month by Bangladesh’s interim government under the Anti-Terrorism Act, had called for a nationwide “lockdown” in protest of the ban and the ongoing legal proceedings against its former chief, Sheikh Hasina.
Authorities say the “lockdown” was not an authorized protest but part of a wider campaign by the outlawed party to mobilize supporters and challenge the government’s decision.
The Associated Press reported that the former ruling party condemned the ban, calling it “a politically motivated attempt to erase Bangladesh’s largest political force.” In contrast, the interim government maintains that the restrictions are essential to restore stability and prevent militant-style political activities.
Security officials told The Dhaka Tribune that the government had been on high alert since Wednesday evening, deploying additional forces across highways, transport hubs, and government offices. Inter-district bus services were suspended in several regions, while freight transport faced significant delays.
Government Response and Outlook
Home Ministry sources confirmed that police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) units have been placed on standby in at least 15 districts. “We will not allow anyone to create panic under the guise of political protest,” a senior ministry official told reporters.
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police also issued an advisory urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with security checkpoints.
Political analysts say the ongoing unrest underscores the fragile political climate in post-Hasina Bangladesh, where the interim government is still struggling to maintain order and legitimacy amid public discontent and factional violence.
With sporadic clashes continuing in several districts, the situation remains fluid. Authorities fear that if tensions are not de-escalated soon, the violence could spread further across the country.
