Bangladesh police stage ‘drill’ amid fears of unrest in Dhaka

The Bangladesh police have carried out a large-scale coordinated security drill at key points of the capital ahead of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina’s now disbanded Awami League’s “Dhaka Lockdown” programme on November 13.

Several newspapers said some 7,000 policemen took part in a drill on Saturday at 142 locations, including interim government chief Muhammad Yunus’ residence, to contain possible violent street protests next week. Witnesses reported increased police presence across Dhaka, which enhanced concerns among residents of the capital about the law and order situation on November 13. Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanok, currently in India, has announced a “lockdown-like” protest programme for November 13, but police did not confirm whether current deployments were linked to his announcement.