Bangladesh: Police clash with protesters in Dhaka July 14 /update 1

Event

Protesters clashed with police outside the Energy Ministry building in Dhaka on Sunday, July 14, as protests against the government ordered price hike of gasoline continued. Protest organizers, led by the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) party, claim at least 15 people sustained injuries amid Sunday's clashes. Further demonstrations are likely in Dhaka and other cities nationwide over the coming weeks. Localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are to be expected in the event of similar protests. Clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out. 

Context

On June 30, the government raised the price of gas in eight categories, including that of household users - effective as of July 1. The Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) previously staged nationwide protests over the price hike in recent weeks, including on July 7. Other political parties have criticized the move, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) who held protests across Dhaka on July 2.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate associated nationwide industrial actions, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.