Bangladesh: Bangladesh National Party calls for nationwide rallies to mark International Human Rights Day Dec. 10

The Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has called for rallies across Bangladesh to mark International Human Rights Day Dec. 10. In Dhaka, participants plan to gather at the National Press Club from 11:00. BNP leaders have stated that the party will not hold any shutdown strikes (hartal) or blockades the same day. Participation will likely vary by location; larger gatherings in urban centers like Dhaka could draw hundreds to thousands of participants. Potential gathering sites include political party offices as well as prominent government buildings, public squares, sports grounds, press clubs, and thoroughfares. Other opposition parties and like-minded organizations may also join in the scheduled events. The BNP may reschedule and/or cancel their planned events on 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. Attendees may clash with rival party supporters and/or police. Mass arrests and the use of force like batons and tear gas by the police cannot be ruled out. Localized business and transport disruptions are possible in the vicinity of rallies.