Bangladesh has placed security forces on nationwide alert ahead of the June 23 founding anniversary of the Awami League, warning that supporters of the banned party could attempt to organize unrest.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said law enforcement agencies had received intelligence indicating possible efforts to create instability around the anniversary. Police and other security bodies were instructed to maintain maximum vigilance and prevent sabotage, disorder or wider disruption.
An internal police directive warned that party activists could try to mark the date by displaying flags and banners or organizing processions. Authorities said such actions could trigger clashes with rival groups, particularly supporters of the student-led National Citizen Party.
The interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus no longer recognizes the Awami League as a political party and has described it as a criminal organization. The party was dissolved and barred from elections after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government during the student-led uprising of August 2024.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party later won the February election, and Tarique Rahman became prime minister. The political transition left the Awami League outside formal electoral competition but did not eliminate its organizational networks or loyalist base.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police said there was no specific threat against the capital, but confirmed that security units remained on high alert. More than 100 Awami League leaders and activists have reportedly been arrested in recent operations in Dhaka, Chattogram and other areas.
The anniversary will test the government's ability to prevent isolated political activity from escalating into wider violence. It will also show whether the banned party retains the capacity to mobilize publicly despite arrests, electoral exclusion and sustained pressure from the current authorities.
