Bangladesh: Opposition party plans demonstrations March 12-15 and 31 /update 10

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is calling for nationwide protests to take place from Monday, March 12, through Thursday, March 15, and Saturday, March 31, to demand the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. BNP supporters in Dhaka will rally at the Suhrawardy Udyan memorial on March 12. Rallies are also expected in Dhaka Tuesday, March 13, and Wednesday, March 14, during the court hearings for Zia at Court 5 in the Bakshi Bazar area of the capital. The BNP announced further protests in the Laldighi area of Chittagong on March 15 and in Rajshahi on Saturday, March 31.

Context

Khaleda Zia, the former Bangladeshi prime minister and current chairperson of the country's primary opposition party, the BNP, was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8. Zia was sentenced to five years in jail; she is appealing the verdict. Multiple BNP-led demonstrations have erupted across the country in recent weeks demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.

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.

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.