THE Supreme Court of Bangladesh has sent a letter to the Army Headquarters requesting deployment of troops to strengthen security around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of the verdict in the crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and two of her top aides.

Moajjem Hussain, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, confirmed the development, saying the letter was dispatched on Sunday. He noted that the court administration had also sent a similar request last Thursday, centring the announcement of the verdict date.

The International Crimes Tribunal-1 is scheduled to deliver its verdict today (Monday) in the case filed against the ousted prime minister and her two top aides over crimes against humanity committed during last year’s July uprising.

Prosecutor Gazi Monawar Hossain Tamim told reporters today that a part of the judgement read out in court will be broadcast live on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and private television channels, subject to final approval. He clarified that only the part of the judgement officially read out by the tribunal will be aired.

Last week, the ICT-1 formally announced that it would deliver the verdict on November 17.

AFP adds: Several crude bombs exploded in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Sunday, police said, heightening tensions ahead of a verdict on Monday in a case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over violence during street protests last year.

No casualties were reported, but the blasts further unsettled a city already on edge after days of unrest.

Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. She denies any wrongdoing and has remained in India since fleeing there after her ouster in August last year.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has instructed officers to open fire on anyone involved in arson or attempts to cause death by hurling crude bombs, local media reported.

Security has been tightened across Dhaka, in Gopalganj Hasina’s ancestral home and a stronghold for her party and in two neighbouring districts, with Border Guard Bangladesh personnel deployed to reinforce local authorities.

Police and Rapid Action Battalion teams have been positioned around key buildings and major intersections, leaving parts of the capital unusually quiet.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2025