05 Aug 2024 | 10:54 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Further protests, tensions likely nationwide through mid-August after army chief confirms prime minister's resignation Aug. 5 /update 17
Further protests, tensions likely across Bangladesh through mid-August after army chief confirms prime minister's resignation Aug. 5.
Further protests and demonstrations are likely across Bangladesh through mid-August after the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed Aug. 5 that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country. He further stated an interim government will run the country. The developments occurred after, student activists occupied the prime minister's official residence (Ganabhaban) during a large-scale protest march to Dhaka, despite an ongoing nationwide curfew.
In Dhaka, security forces have reportedly used tear gas, sound grenades, and live ammunition on participants in several areas, including Chankharpul, Jatrabari, and Chashara in Narayanganj. The unrest comes following violent protests over the weekend that killed more than 90 people and injured hundreds of others.
Security Measures
Ongoing security measures are may persist, including a ban on public gatherings in Dhaka, as well as restrictions on the internet, social media, and messaging. An indefinite curfew was in effect nationwide until further notice, though as of Hasina's resignation, its status is unclear. Authorities are imposing a total shutdown of mobile and broadband internet services. Essential services such as medical and emergency services, electricity, water, telecommunications, and port operations are exempt from these restrictions and may operate without limitation. 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.
Checkpoints are likely to continue at major city entry points, as well as at air and land ports.
Civil Unrest
The largest and most disruptive gatherings involving a few thousand protesters have occurred in urban areas, especially Dhaka. Well-attended rallies typically take place in or near university campuses, transportation hubs, public squares, and major intersections. Demonstrators have used projectiles, sharp weapons, firearms, and crude bombs to attack government offices, security personnel, and various vehicles, including police patrol vehicles, private cars, and public buses.
Police have conducted mass arrests and used force - including baton charges, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition - to disperse gatherings. Additional rallies organized by prominent student unions and opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami could attract tens of thousands of people, with the potential to escalate violence. Small-scale explosions, arson, vandalism attacks, riots, armed clashes between rival protest or political groups, and assassination attempts targeting political or student union leaders are possible.
Transport Disruptions
The unrest has caused significant disruptions to passenger and freight rail services and vehicular traffic, especially within, to, and from Dhaka. Inter-district bus services and Metro rail services in Dhaka will likely face prolonged interruptions due to protest-related damage at transport hubs and stations.
Domestic and international flights are available. Due to security concerns and reduced demand, limited flight disruptions are likely at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC). Some carriers, like Emirates (EK) and Flydubai (FZ), have revised flight schedules. Additional flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, could occur.
Business and utility disruptions
Business closures due to official holidays, internet unavailability, and employees' difficulties in reaching workplaces will likely persist. Authorities have declared a three-day general holiday until Aug. 7, with possible extensions if unrest persists. Diplomatic facilities, including the US Embassy, may announce suspensions or curtailment of services, especially in response to planned or ongoing large rallies.
Prolonged and/or recurrent blockades may disrupt ground shipping, including at land ports. Protests are likely to cause shipping, port disruptions, and ground operation delays. Sustained curfews may prompt panic buying and stockpiling, potentially creating artificial shortages of essential items like food and fuel.
Remain in a secure location until the situation stabilizes. 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.
Student protests in Bangladesh, initially sparked by demands to abolish government job quotas, have escalated into a broader uprising against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Since early July, widespread violent unrest has occurred across major cities, particularly Dhaka, despite a Supreme Court ruling that ended most job quotas. The government’s harsh crackdown, including nationwide curfews, internet shutdowns, military deployment, and the use of force, has failed to quell the demonstrations. Reports indicate that more than 300 people have died and thousands have been injured.
On Aug. 5, Hasina resigned and fled the country amid increasing violence and mounting pressure, marking the end of her 15-year rule after protesters stormed the prime minister's official residence. Critics have denounced Hasina's administration, which has held power since 2009, as authoritarian due to mass arrests and accusations of extrajudicial killings of opposition activists. The unrest also highlights discontent over Hasina's regime, which faces allegations of corruption, vote rigging, and misuse of state power. Further political instability and unrest are likely in the coming weeks as parties and the military attempt to address the political vacuum and form a new government.
