Bangladesh deploys army ahead of ousted PM Hasina’s party anniversary

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Bangladeshi authorities have redeployed military forces in Dhaka and five other key districts until June 30 to prevent Awami League supporters from organizing anniversary events amid ongoing political restrictions. This move highlights the government's emphasis on maintaining stability and curbing opposition activities following the party's ousting and its former leader Sheikh Hasina's exile.

Bangladeshi authorities have deployed military forces in Dhaka and five other districts through June 30 as part of heightened security measures ahead of the anniversary of the Awami League, the political party formerly led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The deployment was announced on June 22, following the recent withdrawal of troops from nationwide duties on June 15, which had been in place since a student-led uprising in August 2024 forced Hasina from power.

The renewed military presence covers Dhaka, Chattogram, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Faridpur, and Gopalganj, regions considered critical to maintaining order. Officials cited specific intelligence pointing to potential attempts by Awami League supporters to organize rallies or processions to mark the party’s founding anniversary. Such activities remain prohibited under restrictions imposed initially by an interim administration and continued by the current government headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who took office after elections in February.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any unrest. He noted that the deployment aims to deter acts of sabotage and assist civil authorities in preserving stability amid ongoing political sensitivities.

The Awami League, historically the country’s oldest and most influential political party, has experienced a steep decline since losing power. Senior members have faced arrests, investigations, or exile, reflecting deep political divisions in Bangladesh following one of the most tumultuous periods in recent history.

Sheikh Hasina, forced to flee to neighboring India during the 2024 upheaval, has remained there since. In November 2025, a domestic war crimes tribunal sentenced her to death in absentia over her government’s handling of the protests that preceded her ouster. Hasina has dismissed the verdict as politically motivated.

The government’s decision to reinstate military deployment underscores efforts to maintain order and deter opposition activity amidst an unsettled political landscape, as tensions continue to simmer ahead of the Awami League’s anniversary events.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.