Bangladesh: Bangladesh Nationalist Party to hold nationwide demonstrations Aug. 16-19

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party will rally nationwide Aug. 16-19 to demand the resignation of the current administration and the release of its party chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. As of Aug. 15, organizers have announced the following details:

• Aug. 16: Activists to hold public prayers in various upazilas, districts, and metropolitan areas for Zia's deteriorating health.

• Aug 17: BNP supporters to stage grassroots-level demonstrations across Bangladesh by distributing pamphlets.

• Aug. 18: Demonstrators to organize mass processions in all metropolitan areas, including Dhaka.

• Aug. 19: Protesters to hold nationwide vehicular marches.

Additional gatherings of varying types are possible through Aug. 19. Potential gathering sites include political party offices, as well as prominent government buildings, public squares, sports grounds, press clubs, and thoroughfares. Previous similar events have attracted thousands of participants. The BNP 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.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. 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.