Bangladesh: Various political parties likely to stage nationwide rallies through at least early October /update 3

Event

Several political parties will likely stage nationwide rallies through at least early October to demand various political concessions and mobilize grassroots-level support ahead of the upcoming general election. As of Sept. 18, the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliates have announced plans to commence a new protest campaign Sept. 19-Oct. 3 and announced the following details:

• Sept. 19: Activists will rally in Keraniganj and Gazipur’s Tongi in Dhaka Division.

• Sept. 21: Protesters to hold a march from Bhairab Upazila, Kishoreganj District, in Dhaka Division to Brahmanbaria, Chittagong Division; and Habiganj, Moulvibazar, and Sylhet, Sylhet Division.

• Sept. 22: Demonstrators to hold public prayer gatherings for BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at undisclosed locations nationwide. In Dhaka, organizers plan to rally in Dhaka's Jatrabari and Uttara areas.

• Sept 23: BNP supporters to hold marches in Barisal, Jhalakathi, Patuakhali, and Pirojpur in Barisal Division.

• Sept. 25: Protesters to gather in the Aminbazar and Naya Bazar areas of Dhaka.

• Sept. 26: Organizers to purportedly assemble in Jhenaidah before marching to Jessore and Khulna in Khulna Division. BNP supporters will additionally hold a mass convention in Dhaka.

• Sept. 27: Activists to plan rallies in the Gabtoli area of Dhaka city and Fatullah area of Narayanganj District in Dhaka Division.

• Sept. 29: Demonstrators to hold a women's rally in Dhaka.

• Sept. 30: Activists to reportedly gather in Chittagong via Comilla and Feni, Chittagong Division. Organizers additionally plan to hold a mass workers' convention in Dhaka.

• Oct. 1: Activists to hold a march from Mymensingh to Kishoreganj in Mymenshingh Division.

• Oct. 2: Organizers plan to hold a farmers' rally in Dhaka.

• Oct. 3: BNP supporters to organize marches in Chittagong, Cumilla, Feni, and Mirsharai in Chittagong Division.

BNP leaders have previously staged protest campaigns to demand the resignation of the current administration and that the general election be held under a neutral caretaker government. As a part of their action, BNP activists have threatened to 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 are highly likely over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include political party offices and police stations, as well as prominent government buildings, museums, public squares, sports grounds, mosques, press clubs, and thoroughfares. While participation will probably vary by locale and sponsoring political group, previous events have attracted very large crowds. 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 may conduct mass arrests and/or resort to the use of force, including baton charges and tear gas, in response to any security incidents. Demonstrators could march along and/or block roadways, prompting 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.