13 Feb 2018 | 03:36 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Thousands protest jailing of former PM Zia February 12 /update 3
Thousands of Bangladeshi opposition supporters protest recent jailing of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia February 12; additional protests expected in the coming days
Event
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Bangladesh on Monday, February 12, demanding the release of recently imprisoned of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia and free and fair elections. BNP supporters are expected to stage hour-long sit-in protests throughout the country on Tuesday, February 13, and a nationwide hunger strike from 09:00 to 17:00 (local time) on Wednesday, February 14. Related demonstrations, a consequent heightened security presence, and associated transportation disruptions are expected in Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities, particularly near BNP and government buildings, in the coming days.
Context
Khaleda Zia, the former Bangladeshi prime minister and current chairperson of the country's primary opposition party - the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8. Zia was sentenced to five years in jail, and she will remain in custody until an appeal is filed; she is expected to soon be released on bail.
Zia is facing multiple criminal charges, including several counts of corruption and accusations of masterminding violence during anti-government protests held since 2014. Zia has often said political vendettas under the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina motivate the cases against her and her sons. She could be barred from participating in the general elections slated for December 2018 if the appeal is unsuccessful or if she remains held on additional charges.
BNP officials have claimed that at least 4300 supporters of the political opposition have been arrested over the past two weeks to suppress popular resistance to Zia's sentencing and imprisonment.
Advice
Individuals present in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, are advised to monitor the situation, exercise caution, and avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the possibility of violence. Follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.
