21 Jul 2023 | 10:15 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its affiliates to stage rallies in Dhaka July 22 /update 1
Bangladesh Nationalist Party and affiliates plan rallies at its party office on VIP Road and Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 22.
Event
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliates plan to hold rallies in Dhaka on July 22. BNP supporters will gather at its party office on VIP Road; while its youth-wing affiliates will rally at Suhrawardy Uddyan. The start times of the events are not immediately clear. The BNP and other opposition parties are organizing rallies to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to allow the country's January 2024 elections to occur under a neutral caretaker government. The events could attract hundreds of participants.
Authorities have permitted the BNP to hold the rally at its office on VIP Road and will almost certainly maintain tight security in the vicinity of the rally sites. Localized transport disruptions are likely due to the presence of large numbers of people and increased security measures. Clashes are possible, especially if counterprotests occur nearby. Police may conduct mass arrests.
Context
On July 18, violence occurred at multiple locations amid rallies by political parties across the country, leaving at least one killed and over 200 wounded. The risk of violence remains elevated.
Advice
Avoid all protests due to the elevated risk of violence. Allow additional travel time if operating along the VIP Road. Monitor trusted local sources for updates on rallies and related disruptions. Heed all official traffic and security advisories. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately.
