Tensions rise in Bangladesh ahead of the former prime minister’s trial.
No casualties were reported in the blasts, but they have heightened anxiety in a capital that has been rocked by political violence for days.
Sheikh Hasina, 78, is due to be tried in absentia in mid-2024 on charges of crimes against humanity over her bloody crackdown on student protests. She remains in India, where she fled after her ouster in August last year.
Dhaka has seen a sharp increase in attacks ahead of the verdict, Reuters reported. On November 12 alone, 32 improvised explosive devices were recorded and dozens of buses were set on fire across the capital and other areas.
Police have arrested dozens of activists from Hasina’s Awami League party in recent days on charges of involvement in the blasts and acts of sabotage.
Bangladeshi authorities said security had been tightened across the city. More than 400 soldiers from the paramilitary “Border Guard” forces have been deployed in the capital, checkpoints have been reinforced, and public gatherings have been severely restricted.