Bangladesh: Various political parties likely to stage nationwide rallies through at least late September

Event

Various political parties will likely stage nationwide rallies through at least late September to mobilize grassroots-level support ahead of the upcoming general election slated to occur sometime in January 2024. As of Aug. 30, organizers have disclosed the following details:

• Sept. 1: The ruling Awami League (AL) party and its affiliates will gather at Suhrawardy Udyan historical landmark; Prime Minister and AL leader Sheikh Hasina will address the gathering. At the same time, the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has reportedly sought legal permission to hold a procession from either its headquarters in Dhaka's Naya Paltan area or Suhrawardy Udyan; the ending point of the march will purportedly be in the Banglamotors area.

• Sept. 2: The AL and its affiliates will assemble at a fairground in Dhaka's Agargaon area; Prime Minister and AL leader Sheikh Hasina will address the event and inaugurate the completion of a major motorway.

Additionally, the BNP will commemorate the 45th founding anniversary of its organization and plans to hold various related gatherings nationwide through Sept. 7. Beginning the second week of September, BNP leaders will commence another protest campaign to demand the resignation of the current administration and the general election to be held under a neutral caretaker government. As a part of their action, BNP activists may escalate their campaign by staging sit-in protests and blockades near prominent government buildings in Dhaka, including the Bangladesh Secretariat, Election Commission, and Prime Minister's Office buildings.

Further gatherings of varying types and by other political groups, including the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, are certain to occur over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include political party offices and police stations, as well as prominent government buildings, public squares, sports grounds, mosques, press clubs, and thoroughfares. While participation will probably vary by locale and sponsoring political group, previous well-attended events have attracted tens of thousands of participants. Organizers could cancel or delay any planned actions at short notice due to organizational issues and/or law enforcement restrictions.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor any such 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 due to the 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.