Bangladesh: Victory Day holiday to be commemorated nationwide Dec. 16

Bangladesh will commemorate Victory Day Dec. 16 to mark the country's independence following the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. Related events will take place at various locations ahead of and on the holiday. In Dhaka, political leaders and government officials will gather at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial on Dec. 14, with the main ceremonial parade typically occurring at National Parade Square on Dec. 16. Official events will also likely occur at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka and the National Martyrs' Monument in Savar. Smaller commemorative events typically occur in major cities and district headquarters throughout the country.

Officials will impose traffic restrictions, mainly along roads surrounding the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial Dec. 14. Public and heavy vehicles are advised to avoid the Mirpur Mazar Road 04:00-09:30 Dec. 14. Similar traffic restrictions are possible around the National Parade Square Dec. 16. Entry points to Dhaka may also be limited. Localized transport disruptions are highly likely during ceremonies.

Authorities will increase security across the country, especially near event venues in Dhaka and other major cities. While officials have not publicized any specific threat to the holiday, Islamist militant groups operating in the country may try to stage symbolic attacks on or around Dec. 16, given its national significance. Authorities will likely boost security as a precaution at crowded commercial and public spaces, transport hubs, government buildings, and other potential target sites of militants.

Political parties and other groups may hold street marches and protests during the holiday, prompting further localized traffic disruptions. In Dhaka, the incumbent Awami League (AL) will hold a procession from the Institution of Engineers to Dhanmondi 32 on Dec. 18, while the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) will gather at their headquarters on Dec. 16. Other popular rally sites include political party offices, public squares, and major intersections in urban centers. Clashes between police and protesters are possible. Security personnel may forcibly disperse disruptive gatherings, especially in Dhaka.