DHAKA: Several crude bombs exploded in the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Sunday, police said, heightening tensions ahead of a verdict on Monday in a case against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over violence during street protests last year. No casualties were reported, but the blasts further unsettled a city already on edge after days of political unrest. Hasina, 78, is being tried in absentia on charges of crimes against humanity for allegedly ordering a deadly crackdown on student protests in mid-2024.

Sheikh Hasina tells the BBC her trial in absentia is destined to deliver a "pre-ordained guilty verdict".

A verdict against the ex-leader, who is accused of crimes against humanity, will be given on Monday.