26 Aug 2024 | 03:25 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Further protests and related disruptions likely nationwide through at least mid-September /update 24
Additional rallies, disruptions likely in Bangladesh through mid-September as interim government stabilizes. Exercise increased caution.
Further rallies and related disruptions are likely to persist nationwide through at least mid-September as the interim government works to stabilize the country following the ousting of long-time Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) party leader Sheikh Hasina. In recent weeks, activists have organized various demonstrations, including strikes and road blockades.
On Aug. 25, about 10,000 members of the Bangladesh Ansar paramilitary force surrounded the Secretariat in Dhaka, demanding job nationalization. They reportedly attacked student activists and army personnel with improvised weapons, leading the army to fire warning shots. Ansar members briefly took student activists hostage. The government deployed additional forces, resulting in injuries to six soldiers. As of Aug. 26, officials have imposed an indefinite ban on public gatherings near the Secretariat and the Jamuna State Guest House, where the chief advisor resides.
Civil Unrest/Violence
Political parties, including the AL, are likely to hold sporadic rallies to demand the return of Hasina; reports indicate that several AL leaders and family members have been killed amid the violence. Minority groups, including Hindus, have staged demonstrations following targeted attacks at various residences, businesses, and worship sites.
Unionized workers from sectors like garment and finance have organized numerous gatherings and walkouts. Further nationwide gatherings, including work stoppages, are expected to attract large crowds at transportation hubs, public squares, and major intersections. Sporadic security incidents such as arson, looting, and vandalism continue, targeting cultural sites, media offices, government buildings, and Awami League offices and leaders' residences.
As of Aug. 26, further planned actions include:
Aug. 29: Unionized rickshaw drivers have threatened to continue their protest campaign from Aug. 29 if their demands remain unmet. On Aug. 26, activists staged various disruptive protests in Dhaka, including the Shahbagh area, to address several demands.
Aug. 31-Sept. 4: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) will hold nationwide rallies and related events to commemorate the founding anniversary of the establishment.
Additionally, political tensions are likely to intensify as activists push for a legal ban on the AL, while the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party and its affiliates work to reverse a ban imposed by the previous administration on Aug. 1; the Jamaat party was outlawed due to its alleged role in inciting violence during widespread protests that resulted in significant casualties and unrest across the country.
Security Measures
As a precaution, increased security measures, including cordons and traffic restrictions, are likely in place at government, state-funded, and security installations. Checkpoints will almost certainly continue at major cities' entry points and air and land ports. The unrest has led countries like Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK to advise against all or nonessential travel to Bangladesh until further notice.
Transport Disruptions
Borders remain open with heightened security, and Bangladesh Railway has resumed full services. Inter-district and long-distance bus services in Dhaka are limited, while flights are operating at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and Sylhet's Osmani International Airport (ZYL). Minor flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, may occur, and officials might impose airport closures with little notice if unrest escalates.
The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has increased personnel along Meghalaya and Tripura states due to concerns of spillover violence. While trade has resumed at most border crossings, heightened security could delay goods and people at land ports.
Business and Utility Disruptions
Banking disruptions could occur if sporadic protest activity persists. Separately, the US Embassy in Dhaka has indefinitely suspended routine consular services, and only emergency services are available; previous non-immigrant visa appointments will be rescheduled. Other diplomatic facilities may announce suspensions or curtailment of services, especially in response to planned or ongoing large rallies.
Avoid all public gatherings due to the potential for increased violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Confirm ground transport and flight arrangements before departure; do not check out of accommodations without confirming onward travel. Do not attempt to navigate any roadblocks, as protesters could attack vehicles. Plan accordingly for business disruptions. Heed all official instructions, including curfew orders, security and traffic advisories. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
In recent days, the frequency of nationwide demonstrations has decreased, and operational disruptions are likely to ease overall as the interim government stabilizes. The country is navigating political uncertainty following weeks of widespread protests. Initially spearheaded by university students, these demonstrations emerged in response to a controversial job quota system in government recruitment that allocates a significant portion of public sector jobs to descendants of veterans from the 1971 Liberation War.
The unrest peaked on Aug. 5, when Prime Minister Hasina resigned and fled the country after her residence was stormed, ending her 15-year tenure. On Aug. 8, an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus was inaugurated, with military officials engaging in transition discussions with student leaders. According to the constitution, elections must occur within 90 days of the dissolution of parliament; any delays in this timeline could potentially provoke further unrest.
