Bangladesh: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to protest in cities nationwide Feb. 17-18

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will stage marches in Dhaka on Feb. 17 and all other major cities on Feb. 18 in protest over increased prices of essential goods, to denounce the current government and demand new elections. There will be at least two marches in Dhaka from 14:30 Feb. 17. Organizers have yet to announce march locations.

To date, marches have been confirmed in the following cities outside Dhaka on Feb. 18:

• Barisal

• Chittagong

• Comilla

• Faridpur

• Gazipur

• Khulna

• Mymensingh

• Narayanganj

• Rajshahi

• Rangpur

• Sylhet

Thousands of individuals could participate in the protests, with the marches in Dhaka likely to be particularly well attended. Possible gathering places include BNP party offices, government buildings, public squares, and major intersections. Authorities are likely to monitor protests and may attempt to disperse especially disruptive gatherings. Clashes between protesters and police, as well as counterdemonstrations, are possible. Protesters may march along or block roadways, causing localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Avoid any protests due to possible clashes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter at a secure, nongovernmental building. Plan for possible localized disruptions and allow additional travel time near sites where demonstrations materialize. Heed all official travel and security advisories.