06 Jul 2018 | 09:12 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposition protest in Dhaka July 7
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) protest in the capital on July 7 (afternoon); clashes with police likely
Event
Members and sympathizers of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) intend to hold a rally in downtown Dhaka in the afternoon (from 14:00 local time) of Saturday, July 7, to demand the release for medical treatment of BNP leader and former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Zia was jailed in February 2018 for five years on corruption charges. The supporters of the main opposition party will gather in front of the BNP Nayapaltan central office at 14:00 local time, and then will march through Dhaka, disrupting road transportation locally. Security forces will be deployed to prevent incidents and violence between pro and anti-BNP partisans is likely.
Context
Bangladesh, has a long history of political violence and poor governance. Clashes between political rivals are frequent.
Advice
As a precautionary measure, individuals present in Dhaka on July 7 are advised to stay away from public gatherings and rallies. Anticipate some road restrictions and a significant security presence, and obey all instructions issued by local authorities.
