Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Bangladesh Police Conduct Large Drill Ahead of Awami League 'Dhaka Lockdown'
Bangladesh police in Dhaka conducted a big practice session on Saturday with about 7,000 officers wearing protective gear.
They went to many locations, even near the interim government chief's house.
This was to get ready in case of loud protests planned for November 13 by a political group called the Awami League.
Police said it was a normal drill to be ready for emergencies, but some saw it as a way to prepare for potential trouble and discourage protests.
This practice happened shortly after the army, which had been helping with security, reduced its forces.
It also comes before a court is expected to announce a decision about a former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh police conducted a large-scale coordinated security drill across Dhaka on Saturday.
Approximately 7,000 police officers participated in the drill at 142 locations, including the interim government chief's residence.
The exercise aimed to prepare for potential violent street protests during the Awami League's announced 'Dhaka Lockdown' program on November 13.
Police described the drill as a 'regular security exercise' to ensure readiness and deter unrest, while also calling it a 'mega drill'.
The drill took place shortly after the army reduced its security presence and ahead of a judgment from the International Crimes Tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Who
- Bangladesh police
- What
- Carried out a large-scale coordinated security drill with approximately 7,000 officers in body armour.
- When
- Saturday
- Where
- Key points of the capital, Dhaka, including the interim government chief's residence.
- Why
- To test coordination and readiness for potential violent street protests, deter unrest ahead of the Awami League's 'Dhaka Lockdown' program on November 13, and as a regular security exercise.
Official Police Statement
Witness and Public Perception
Purpose of the Drill
Official Police Statement
The drill is a 'regular security exercise' to ensure readiness for any emergency and is part of normal operational activities. It is meant to test coordination and readiness.
Witness and Public Perception
The drill is a 'mega drill' seen as a deterrent to potential violent street protests and unrest ahead of the Awami League's 'Dhaka Lockdown' program and follows the army's reduced security presence.
Link to Political Events
Official Police Statement
Police have not confirmed whether current deployments are linked to specific political announcements like the Awami League's 'lockdown-like' protest program.
Witness and Public Perception
The drill occurred ahead of the Awami League's announced 'Dhaka Lockdown' program on November 13 and ahead of a pending International Crimes Tribunal judgment against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Event
- Large-scale coordinated security drill ('mega drill')
- Date
- Saturday
- Location
- Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Participants
- Approximately 7,000 police personnel
- Context
- Ahead of Awami League's 'Dhaka Lockdown' program on November 13, pending judgment from the International Crimes Tribunal against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, and after the army reduced its security presence.
Sources
B'desh police stages 'mega drill' amid fears of unrest
Why Dhaka Is on Alert: Bangladesh Police Conduct Security Drills in Capital
Bangladesh police stages drill amid fears of unrest in capital: Reports
