Thu Nov 13 06:30:40 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news report:
Summary:
Bangladesh is on edge as the International Crimes Tribunal-1 prepares to deliver its verdict on November 17, 2025, in a case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for alleged crimes against humanity during a mass uprising in 2024. In response, Hasina’s party, the Awami League, enforced a nationwide “lockdown” protest, disrupting daily life in Dhaka and leading to clashes, arson, and arrests. The Awami League is demanding the resignation of the interim head of Bangladesh and the dissolution of the tribunal and is planning further protests, including a nationwide shutdown.
News Article:
Bangladesh Gripped by Tension as Verdict Looms in Former PM’s Trial
DHAKA, Bangladesh – November 13, 2025 – Bangladesh is bracing for potential unrest as the International Crimes Tribunal-1 announced it will deliver its verdict on November 17th in the trial of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina is accused of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the mass protests of 2024.
In response to the impending verdict, the Awami League, Hasina’s former ruling party, called for a nationwide “lockdown” protest, which brought Dhaka to a standstill today. Metro stations were sparsely populated, and many schools and universities switched to online learning amid safety concerns.
Reports indicate arson and crude bomb blasts in Dhaka and surrounding districts, fueling public anxiety. Transport services were disrupted after reports of vehicles being set ablaze. Law enforcement agencies have been deployed across Dhaka to maintain order. Dozens of Awami League activists were arrested for holding processions, and the party’s central office was vandalized.
The Awami League condemned the trial as politically motivated. “Our activists were attacked by BNP-Jamaat supporters even in front of the police,” said AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Joint Secretary of the Awami League. “Despite that, our lockdown was successful…people reject this farcical process.”
The Awami League has announced a four-day program, including nationwide demonstrations on November 14th and 15th, followed by a country-wide shutdown on November 16th and 17th, seeking the resignation of Bangladesh’s Interim head Muhammad Yunus and the dissolution of the tribunal.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mozumder, reached this point after closing arguments were presented last week. Hasina, who has been living in exile in India since August 2024, is being tried in absentia. The trial included testimony from 54 witnesses. She also faces two other trials before the International Crimes Tribunal.
First Piper 