Bangladesh: Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party plans two-day nationwide protest campaign through mid-Aug.

Event

The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (Jamaat) party will hold a two-day nationwide protest campaign through mid-Aug. The purpose of the action is to commemorate the recent death of the party's late leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee. Organizers have announced the following specific plans:

• Aug. 18: Activists to hold nationwide public gatherings during the Friday afternoon Islamic prayers.

• Aug. 23: Jamaat supporters to stage demonstrations and protest marches across Bangladesh.

Although the Jamaat party did not announce further details, additional gatherings of varying types are possible through Aug. 23. Potential gathering sites include political party offices, as well as prominent mosques, government buildings, public squares, sports grounds, press clubs, and thoroughfares. Previous well-attended events have attracted tens of thousands of participants. The Jamaat party may reschedule and/or cancel their planned events at short notice due to organizational or law enforcement-related restrictions.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor the rallies and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between police and activists, as well as between members of rival political camps, cannot be ruled out. Officials could conduct mass arrests and/or resort to the use of force, including baton charges and tear gas, in response to any security incidents. Demonstrators will probably march along and/or block roadways, causing localized transport disruptions. Associated localized business disruptions are possible.

Context

On Aug. 14, Jamaat party leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee died in prison following a heart attack. He was sentenced to death in 2013 on charges of rape, murder, and persecution of Hindu minorities during Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. The 2013 court ruling led to widespread violence and civil unrest, which killed at least 100 people.

Sayedee's sentence was subsequently reduced to life imprisonment. On Aug. 14, Sayedee's death triggered nationwide demonstrations and turned violent when security personnel dispersed the protesters in the capital. On Aug. 15, nearly 50,000 Jamaat supporters gathered during the funeral in Pirojpur district, Sayedee's birthplace, while other public memorial events occurred elsewhere in Bangladesh. The public gatherings left at least one activist killed during clashes with law enforcement officials.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations due to the increased potential for violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.