‘Dhaka quarantined, people panicked’

The capital city Dhaka has virtually been isolated from the rest of the country as a make-shift court is set to announce verdict in a graft case against BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia today.

The situation prevaling in the Dhaka city is similar to the one seen on a day of hartal when people hardly come to the streets fearing violence.

People in all over the country have been apparently panicked by the additional security measures taken by the government ahead of delivery of the judgement in Zia Orphanage Trust case.

The BNP claimed that more than 3,500 leaders and activists of the opposition camp have already been detained in the past nine days or so.

The members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been continuing searches at every entry point of the capital as well as at different places inside the city.

The government has already deployed 10,000 police men and 20 platoons Barder Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel in Dhaka.

The city looks lean.

Political analysts say if a three-time prime minister, Khaleda Zia, has been convicted, it will bring no good to the country’s politics.

This is for the first time in the Bangladesh history, a former prime minister is likely to be convicted.

Analysts also say the verdict may leave long-term effects on the overall politics, especially the next general elections

BNP standing committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, “BNP didn't declare any programme. But, the government has created unstable situation deploying its party men, as well as memebrs of police, RAB and BGB.”

The police, however, defended the security measures, saying they are prepared to ensure peace and security for the people and to tackle any subversive activities carried out by BNP men after the verdict.

Home ministry Asaduzzaman Khan told Prothom Alo on Wednesday that the preparation has been taken to tackle any law and order situation.

"The measures are taken based on concrete information," he claimed.

A total of 69 platoons BGB were deployed across the country till Wednesday and 65 platoons more had been kept ready, according to the ministry.

Asked about ruling party Awami League’s preparation over the verdict, AL presidium member Faruk Khan said this is responsibility of a sincere government.

Referring to the government claims, Supreme Court lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Prothom Alo that such huge deployment hampers public movement, rallies, freedom of speech and daily activities. "Such steps are contrary to fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution."

He maintained that keeping the entire capital under a virtual siege in the name of security is tantamount to violation of public rights.