Bangladesh: Political rallies to continue nationwide through at least early January /update 14

Political parties will almost certainly continue their ongoing campaigns of rallies and protests across Bangladesh through at least early January to demand various concessions ahead of the nation's Jan. 7, 2024 general election. On Dec. 20, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the Hazrat Shah Jalal and Hazrat Shah Paran shrines, and attend a rally at Alia Madrasa Ground in Sylhet City. Separately, the opposition Islami Andolan Bangladesh party has announced a rally in Dhaka Dec. 22 but has yet to specify a time and location for the gathering. Schedule and/or venue changes are possible at short notice due to organizational issues or law enforcement restrictions.

Additional demonstrations of varying types by political parties, including the incumbent Awami League (AL) and main opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP), are highly likely over the coming weeks. Counterdemonstrations may materialize at short notice during such events. Potential gathering sites include prominent government buildings, including police stations and election commission offices, as well as public squares, political party offices, sports fields, mosques, press clubs, and major thoroughfares.

The BNP and other like-minded organizations sporadically plan transport blockades, shutdown strikes (hartals), and protest campaigns to demand the resignation of the current administration and that the general election be handled by a neutral caretaker government. Violence has occurred on several occasions, including isolated incidents of arson and vandalism. Related actions will almost certainly disrupt transport and business services to varying degrees across the country.

Activists have also previously threatened to stage sit-in protests and blockades near prominent government buildings in Dhaka, including the Bangladesh Secretariat, Election Commission, and Prime Minister's Office. While participation will probably vary by locale and sponsoring political groups, previous well-attended events have attracted hundreds of thousands of participants in major urban centers like Chittagong and Dhaka.

Authorities are maintaining an increased security presence across Bangladesh, particularly in major urban centers. Officials may conduct mass arrests or resort to using force, including baton charges and tear gas, in response to security incidents. Clashes between police and activists and between members of rival political camps cannot be ruled out. Further isolated security incidents, including arson and vandalism, are possible. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are highly likely.