27 Jul 2023 | 03:21 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposing political parties plan rallies at multiple locations in Dhaka July 27-28 /update 2
Opposing political parties plan to hold protests at multiple locations in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 27-28. Heightened security likely.
Event
Several opposing political parties plan to rally in Dhaka July 27-28 ahead of the January 2024 general election and to denounce several incidents of related political violence in recent weeks. A few thousand participants are likely to attend each event. Schedule and/or venue changes are possible at short notice due to security restrictions. Organizers have announced the following details:
Islami Andolan Bangladesh: Protesters plan to gather at the party headquarters in the Purana Paltan area at 15:00 July 27.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Activists plan to rally outside the BNP party office on VIP Road from 14:00 July 28; police may direct the gathering to alternative sites like the Golapbagh Field or the Suhrawardy Udyan Park.
Awami League and affiliates: Demonstrators plan to gather at the Sher-E-Bangla Nagar Fair Ground in Agargaon from 15:00 July 28.
Additional gatherings are possible across Dhaka in the coming days. Potential protest sites include political party offices, as well as prominent government buildings, mosques, press clubs, sports grounds, public squares, and thoroughfares. Previous well-attended demonstrations have attracted thousands of participants. Organizers may reschedule or change the venue of their planned gatherings with little-to-no notice.
Authorities will almost certainly monitor the rallies and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Officials may conduct mass arrests and use force, including tear gas and baton charges, to quell civil unrest incidents. Clashes between police and activists, as well as among members of opposing political groups, cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Associated localized business disruptions may also occur.
Advice
Avoid all demonstrations due to the increased risk of violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized transport and business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
