Bangladesh: Jamaat-e-Islami party plans to protest in multiple cities nationwide Sept. 19

Event

The Jamaat-e-Islami party has called for protests in cities across Bangladesh Sept. 19 to demand the release of detained party leaders and the formation of a caretaker government to oversee the next general elections scheduled for early 2024. While organizers have not announced specific venues and start times, potential gathering sites include political party offices, as well as prominent mosques, government buildings, public squares, sports grounds, press clubs, and thoroughfares. Rallies typically occur from the late morning through the late afternoon. Previous well-attended events have attracted tens of thousands of participants. The 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.

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; confirm road status and transport reservations. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.