Awami League's founding anniversary: army fans out in BD
WORLD: The Bangladesh government has deployed military units in Dhaka and five other significant areas until June 30 due to security concerns and potential unrest surrounding the Awami League's founding anniversary slated for June 23. A directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs specified troop deployments in metropolitan areas of Dhaka, Chattogram and Gazipur along with districts such as Narayanganj, Gopalganj and Faridpur.
The government cited intelligence reports suggesting risks of sabotage, unlawful gatherings and a possible deterioration of law and order as the basis for these measures.
In response, police authorities released alerts nationwide, warning about possible clashes if supporters of the Awami League try to commemorate the anniversary through processions, flag hoisting or other activities. More than 18,000 police personnel have been stationed in Dhaka, augmented by extra checkpoints, intelligence surveillance and rapid response teams, reports said.
The Awami League, having governed Bangladesh for several years, has been prohibited from political activities since May 2025, following a decision by the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus. This ban is pending legal proceedings against senior party leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, related to allegations from the 2024 mass uprising before the International Crimes Tribunal.
The imposition of these new security measures has sparked further debate about the consequences of banning a party that still retains considerable political support. Critics assert that restricting a major political party's activities, even to prevent a symbolic observance of its founding anniversary, risks further constricting Bangladesh’s political environment and exacerbating political polarization.
Political analysts have also raised concerns over whether the alleged security threats sufficiently justify a comprehensive ban on a political party central to Bangladesh's political history and independence movement. Nevertheless, the government defends these restrictions as necessary to avert violence, maintain public order, and safeguard the integrity of ongoing legal processes.
Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that troop deployment was informed by intelligence reports indicating possible subversive actions and reassured that the overall law-and-order situation remains under control.