Bangladesh: Further protests and related disruptions likely nationwide through late August /update 22

Further rallies and related disruptions are likely to continue across Bangladesh through at least late August as the interim government stabilizes. In recent days, prominent student groups such as the Students Against Discrimination (SAD) continue to organize well-attended rallies at universities, including Dhaka University (DU), demanding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return to face legal cases related to the violent unrest. Meanwhile, minority groups, including Hindus, have held protests following attacks targeted at Hindu temples, residences, and businesses. 

Political parties like the Awami League (AL) continue to hold demonstrations in urban areas, calling for Hasina’s return; reports indicate that several AL leaders and family members have been killed amid the violence. The AL has called for nationwide rallies on Aug. 15 to mark the anniversary of the assassination of the country's founding father and Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975. Gatherings will likely be well-attended and could draw tens of thousands of participants. Other political parties like the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) could stage counterdemonstrations at short notice. 

Banking staff have also held protests outside bank branches and headquarters in recent days, demanding the resignation of senior officials over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Some gatherings have turned violent; gunfire injured six employees during a protest outside the Islami Bank headquarters in Dhaka’s Motijheel area Aug. 10.

As of Aug. 13, the police have ended an indefinite strike and have reportedly resumed partial duties and patrols in Dhaka.

Despite the change in leadership, further protests are likely over the coming weeks as student groups have vowed to continue their campaign until detained activists are released and those responsible for the violence are held accountable. Additional rallies organized by prominent student unions, political parties, and minority religious groups could attract tens of thousands of people, with the potential for armed clashes between rival protests or political groups. Potential gathering sites include transportation hubs, public squares, and major intersections. Isolated security incidents, including arson, looting, and vandalism, continue to occur sporadically across the country. Such attacks have targeted cultural venues, television channel offices, and government buildings, as well as AL political party offices and leaders’ residences. 

Security Measures
Officials have lifted all curfew measures and restored mobile and broadband internet services. Educational institutions have reportedly reopened, though attendance remains low. 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 entry points of major cities as well as 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
The country's borders remain open amid increased security in the border areas. Bangladesh Railway (BR) will resume full services from Aug. 15, while metro services in Dhaka will reopen from Aug. 17.  Inter-district and long-distance bus services have also resumed in Dhaka, though the frequency may be limited. Domestic and international flights are available at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and Sylhet's Osmani International Airport (ZYL). Airlines such as Air India (AI), Vistara (VTI), and IndiGo (6E), have resumed flights to Dhaka. However, other airlines may experience minor flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, amid reduced demand. Officials may also impose airport closures at short notice if significant unrest recurs.

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has deployed additional personnel along the Meghalaya and Tripura states in India amid concerns of spillover violence. While trade has reportedly resumed at most border crossings, heightened security protocols could lead to delays in the movement of goods and people through land ports.

Business and utility disruptions
Several banks have reportedly suspended operations and ATM services amid concerns over the safety of cash transportation, prompting disruptions to financial transactions. Banking disruptions are likely over the coming weeks amid an ongoing protest campaign by bank employees. 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.