30 Jun 2018 | 01:38 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Supreme Court in Dhaka to hear appeals in Zia case July 3 /update 19
The Supreme Court in Dhaka will hear appeals related to the case against former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia; related protests possible
Event
On Tuesday, July 3, the Supreme Court in Dhaka will hear appeals related to the corruption case against former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. She is appealing the five-year prison sentenced that she received in connection to the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case. Related demonstrations are possible in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh in the coming days. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near any potential protests.
Context
For months, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has been organizing regular demonstrations to demand that former Prime Minister and current chairperson of the BNP Khaleda Zia be released from prison. Zia was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8 and sentenced to five years in jail. Multiple BNP-led demonstrations have erupted across the country demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.
Advice
Individuals in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
