DHAKA - Authorities in Bangladesh have tightened security in the country to prevent possible protests on Thursday amid reports of a planned "Dhaka lockdown" announced by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League (AL) party.

Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said on Tuesday that "police and security forces are now patrolling the country more often," adding that they have also increased protection for important government buildings.

He further said there is no apprehension over the program of the AL party, whose activities are now banned in the country.

The reports of the AL's program came as Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal is expected to set the verdict date on Thursday for Sheikh Hasina and several of her top aides.

AL supporters reportedly triggered violent protests in parts of Bangladesh on Monday. Dhaka dwellers have been plunged into fear as they woke to reports of buses set ablaze and bomb explosions in parts of the city.

Magistracy power 

Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi interim government has once again extended the magistracy power given to commissioned army officers for another about four months.

An official notification published by the Ministry of Public Administration on Tuesday said the jurisdiction for exercising magistracy power will encompass all of Bangladesh with effect from Wednesday, stating officers on deputation to the Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh will also be able to exercise magistracy power.

An officer with magistracy power can arrest and send an individual to jail to help maintain law and order. In self-defense, the officer can open fire.