Bangladesh: Various political parties likely to stage nationwide rallies through at least late September /update 2

Event

Several political parties will likely stage nationwide rallies through at least late September to demand various political concessions and mobilize grassroots-level support ahead of the upcoming general election slated to occur sometime in January 2024. As of Sept. 13, the primary opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliates reportedly plan to hold 5 protest marches across most divisions Sept. 16-30 and announced the following details:

• Sept. 16: Activists to commence protest march from an undisclosed location in Rangpur to Dinajpur in Rangpur Division. Rallies are slated to occur in several areas during the planned march.

• Sept. 17: Demonstrators to launch protest march from Bogura to Rajshahi in Rajshahi Division. Rallies are slated to occur in several areas during the planned march.

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

• Sept. 26: Organizers to purportedly assemble in Jhenaidah before marching to Jessore and Khulna in Khulna Division.

• Sept. 30: Activists to reportedly gather in Chittagong via Comilla and Feni, Chittagong Division.

Since the second week of September, BNP leaders have commenced a 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, the BNP will hold further protest marches in Barisal, Faridpur, and Mymenshingh divisions before concluding the planned actionwith a procession in Dhaka. BNP activists have additionally 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 certain to occur 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 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 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.