25 Jul 2023 | 06:04 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposing political parties to rally at multiple locations in Dhaka Division July 27 /update 1
Opposing political parties to hold protests at multiple locations in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh, July 27. Exercise caution.
Event
Several opposing political parties plan to rally in Dhaka July 27 ahead of the January 2024 general election and to denounce several incidents of related political violence that have occurred in recent weeks. Organizers have announced the following details:
Bangladesh Awami Jubo League and related groups: Demonstrators to stage protests at undisclosed locations of Dhaka Division, including Dhaka Metropolitan North and South, Gazipur, Manikganj, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, and Tangail, as well as Mymensingh District. Organizers will reportedly assemble at 14:00.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): Activists to hold a rally at Suhrawardy Udyan Park, starting at 14:00. BNP supporters may also gather at their party office on VIP Road, especially if authorities deny permission for the event at the original venue.
Islami Andolan Bangladesh: Protesters to gather at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque at 15:00.
Additional gatherings are possible in Dhaka Division on July 27. Potential gathering sites include political party offices, as well as prominent government buildings, press clubs, sports grounds, public squares, and thoroughfares. Organizers may reschedule or cancel their planned demonstrations 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 are possible through the evening of July 27.
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.
