Bangladesh: Awami League rallies planned December 22-24 /update 5

Event

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will participate in campaign rallies hosted by the Awami League from Saturday, December 22, to Monday, December 24. Hasina will attend a rally in Sylhet on Saturday before going to campaign events in Pirganj and Taraganj in Rangpur division on Sunday and, finally, a political rally in Dhaka's Kamrangirchar area on Monday. A heightened security presence is expected in all locations along with large crowds and localized disruptions, including transportation and business disruptions. Associated protests are also possible and clashes between supporters of rival political parties, as well as with security forces, cannot be ruled out.

Context

Bangladesh will hold general elections on December 30. The 2018 election will largely pit the ruling Awami League, led by three-term Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, against an opposition coalition dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The opposition coalition's candidate for prime minister is Kamal Hossain of the Gano Forum political party.

Political rallies in Bangladesh often result in violence and unrest and can cause widespread transportation and business disruptions. Associated work stoppages, official and unofficial roadblocks, and large crowds are common.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh, particularly those in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political rallies and public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and refrain from discussing political topics in public. Anticipate disruptions near large public demonstrations, including a heightened security presence, road closures, and transportation and business disruptions.