Dhaka, Nov. 13 -- Authorities have beefed up security at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ahead of the announcement of the verdict date in a crimes against humanity case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

A three-member bench of the ICT led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder will set the date on Thursday.

The Awami League, whose activities have been banned, announced a "Dhaka Lockdown" programme on Thursday in response to the announcement of the verdict date. Ahead of the programme, sporadic bombings and the torching of vehicles have been taking place in various parts of the country, including Dhaka, over the past few days.

Police, Armed Police Battalion (APBn) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have taken u...