Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka, was rocked by several crude bomb explosions on Sunday, escalating tensions ahead of a highly anticipated verdict in the case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The explosions, which caused no casualties, have further unsettled a city already grappling with political unrest. Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia for crimes against humanity, accused of ordering a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024. She denies the allegations and has remained in India since fleeing Bangladesh after her ouster in August last year. In response to the escalating violence, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner has authorized officers to use lethal force against anyone involved in arson or bomb attacks. Security has been significantly tightened across Dhaka, Gopalganj — Hasina’s ancestral home and a stronghold for her party — and two neighboring districts, with Border Guard Bangladesh personnel deployed to assist local authorities. Police and Rapid Action Battalion teams have been stationed around key government buildings and major intersections, resulting in an unusually quiet city. ‘It’s very tense — hardly anyone is coming out,’ said Ramjan Ali, an autorickshaw driver in Dhaka. ‘I’ve been on the road since morning, but I’ve barely earned anything today.’ In the days leading up to the verdict, authorities recorded over 30 crude bomb explosions and reported dozens of buses torched in Dhaka and several other districts. Additionally, dozens of Awami League activists have been arrested for alleged involvement in explosions and acts of sabotage.