Bangladesh: Student activists likely to continue opposing rallies in Dhaka through at least early April

Student activists affiliated with rival groups will likely continue their ongoing rallies in Dhaka through at least early April. Student activists at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have recently intensified their protests to denounce the presence of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) political leaders on campus. BUET students demanded the expulsion of BCL supporters, prompting university authorities to revoke the dormitory allotment of a central BCL leader amid continuing tensions over a 2019 ban on student politics after an activist's death.

On March 31, the BCL, a student wing of the ruling Awami League (AL) party, will protest at the Central Shaheed Minar historical landmark from 11:00. Additional gatherings of varying types will likely occur over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include the BUET campus, government buildings, political party offices, prominent public squares, press clubs, and thoroughfares.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor any such gatherings and could use force, including baton charges and tear gas, to disperse overly unruly crowds. Mass arrests are possible. Clashes between police and demonstrators, as well as among supporters of opposing camps, cannot be ruled out. Isolated security incidents could occur. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely.