Bangladesh: Opposing political parties to rally in Dhaka May 11 /update 1

Opposing political rallies will take place in Dhaka on May 11. The ruling Awami League (AL) party will gather along a thoroughfare in the Mohammedpur area to mobilize grassroots-level support. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will rally outside its main office in the Naya Paltan area to demand the release of detained party leaders. Both gatherings are likely to occur in the afternoon and have the potential to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees. The BNP held a similar protest on May 10. The BNP could reschedule or cancel its planned action at short notice due to organizational or law enforcement-related restrictions. Additional gatherings by the AL, BNP, and other similar groups are possible. Potential rally sites include political party offices, government buildings, public squares, monuments, and thoroughfares. Such gatherings could draw thousands of participants.

Authorities will likely monitor the rallies and could implement enhanced measures. including vehicular checks. Clashes between police and activists and between supporters of rival camps cannot be ruled out. Officials could conduct mass arrests and/or resort to the use of force, including baton charges and tear gas, in response to any security incidents. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely.