Bangladesh: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Rajshahi Jan. 29

Event

Awami League (AL) party president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit Rajshahi District Jan. 29 to inaugurate several development projects and hold a rally to mobilize political support. The rally will occur at the Rajshahi Madrasa Public Speaking Ground sometime in the afternoon. While the number of participants remains unclear, organizers estimate the gathering will attract at least 500,000 attendees.

Around 5,000 security personnel will be deployed in the city to facilitate the rally. Authorities have prohibited the possession, usage, and carriage of firearms, explosives, and drones in the city without official permission through 06:00 Jan. 30. Clashes between activists from opposing political groups cannot be ruled out. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely through the evening of Jan. 29.

Advice

Avoid the rally as a standard security precaution. Leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow extra time to reach destinations in Rajshahi through the evening of Jan. 29. Heed all official security and transport advisories.