Dhaka, Nov. 12 -- Law enforcement agencies have blanketed Dhaka with tight security today, citing a recent spate of violence, the Awami League's announced "lockdown programme," and an impending court date in a case against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Police checkpoints lined major roads and intersections across the capital as army, Border Guard Bangladesh, and Rab patrolled key areas. Traffic on Dhaka's streets was notably lighter, and the metro rail carried fewer passengers. Dhaka Metropolitan Police's deputy commissioner (media) said officers were deployed in front of nearly all major city establishments.

The security measures follow a string of violence, including 17 crude bomb explosions and nine vehicles set ablaze nationw...