30 Oct 2023 | 10:02 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Bangladesh National Party to stage nationwide transport blockade Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Bangladesh National Party calls for transport blockade across Bangladesh Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Significant disruptions likely, violence possible.
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is calling for a nationwide ground and water transport blockade Oct. 31-Nov. 2. The action is to denounce the deaths and arrests of its party leaders and supporters during BNP-led anti-government actions Oct. 28-29. While participation will vary by locale, widespread participation is likely, especially in Dhaka and other major cities.
Vehicle movement, especially between cities, will likely remain limited during the action. Shipping disruptions are possible. Demonstrations and counter-demonstrations are likely, especially in Dhaka. BNP activists are likely to violently enforce the action, and block arterial roads, prominent intersections, rail tracks, and ferry boarding points. Arson and vandalism cannot be ruled out; BNP members may also clash with entities defying the call, especially members of transport unions affiliated with the ruling Awami League (AL).
Related demonstrations, including counter-demonstrations organized by other groups such as AL, are likely. Potential gathering sites include political party offices, police stations, prominent government buildings such as the Bangladesh Secretariat, Election Commission, and Prime Minister's Office, museums, public squares, sports grounds, mosques, press clubs, transport hubs, and major thoroughfares. Tens of thousands of people could join each rally, with the highest attendance likely in Dhaka.
Authorities will likely heighten security deployment, and may impose security cordons and traffic diversions near typical protest sites as a precaution. The tightest security is likely around key government buildings. Officials typically conduct mass arrests and/or resort to using force, including baton charges, tear gas, and rubber bullets in response to security incidents. Clashes between police and activists, as well as between members of rival political camps, are possible.
Organizers could cancel or delay any planned actions on short notice due to organizational issues and/or law enforcement restrictions. Essential services as well as the movement of official, emergency, and freight vehicles are unlikely to be significantly affected. However, precautionary closures of local businesses and other workplaces due to unavailability of transport for employees may occur.
Confirm business appointments and transport reservations Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Seek alternatives means of transport if necessary. Consider limiting travel in Dhaka Oct. 31-Nov. 2; allow additional time to reach your destination in other areas. Monitor local media for updates on road conditions. Consider alternative shipping methods for time-sensitive freight. Do not attempt to navigate around roadblocks set up by protesters. Avoid all demonstrations due to the potential for violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
More than 100,000 supporters joined a BNP-led rally on Oct. 28 calling for the resignation of incumbent prime minister, Sheikh Hasina. Clashes erupted when police moved to forcefully disperse the protestors using tear gas and rubber bullets resulting in the death of at least one police officer and over a hundred more injured. In response to the violence, BNP called for a general strike on Oct. 29. Activists reportedly engaged in arson and vandalism, and attacked non-participating businesses and vehicles; at least three people were killed and several dozen others injured.
