06 Aug 2024 | 10:14 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Nationwide protests likely to continue through mid-August following prime minister's resignation /update 19
Further protests, tensions likely across Bangladesh through mid-August following prime minister's resignation.
Further protests and demonstrations are likely nationwide through mid-August after the Chief of Army Staff, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, confirmed Aug. 5 that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country. He further stated an interim government will run the country. As of Aug. 6, the president of Bangladesh has announced it will be dissolving parliament and has ordered the release of prisoners arrested during unrest in July, including Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Khaleda Zia. 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. Hasina’s resignation comes after violent protests over the weekend that killed more than 90 people and injured hundreds of others.
As of Aug. 6, reports indicate attacks have targeted cultural venues, television channel offices, government buildings including the prime minister’s residence and parliament, as well as Awami League (AL) party offices in Dhaka and other urban centers nationwide. Violence targeting minority groups cannot be ruled out.
Security Measures
An indefinite nationwide 00:00-06:00 curfew is in effect. Ongoing security measures will almost certainly continue, including a ban on public gatherings in Dhaka. Authorities have begun reinstating internet and mobile services since Aug. 5. The Hasina government declared a three-day general holiday until Aug. 7, though this status remains unclear following the prime minister’s resignation. 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.
Increased security measures, including cordons and traffic restrictions, are likely in place at government, state-funded, and security installations as a precaution. Checkpoints will almost certainly continue at entry points of major cities as well as air and land ports.
Transport Disruptions
The country's borders remain open amid increased security in border areas. Flights have resumed at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and Sylhet's Osmani International Airport (ZYL) as of Aug. 6 following a six-hour closure Aug. 5; officials may reimpose further closures at short notice if unrest recurs.
Due to security concerns and reduced demand, flight disruptions are likely in the coming days, especially at DAC. Some carriers, like Emirates (EK) and Flydubai (FZ), have revised flight schedules, while Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) have indefinitely suspended services to and from DAC effective Aug. 5. Additional flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, could occur.
The unrest has caused significant disruptions to passenger and freight rail services and vehicular traffic, especially within, to, and from Dhaka. Rail services are suspended until further notice, including the international rail link with India. Heightened security protocols and prolonged/recurrent border closures may affect the movement of goods and people through land ports.
Educational institutions and public and private offices may reopen effective Aug. 6.
Business and utility disruptions
Business closures due to official holidays, internet unavailability, and employees' difficulties in reaching workplaces are likely to persist. While authorities have partially restored mobile and broadband internet services, disruptions to financial services, such as financial transactions, remain possible. Diplomatic facilities, including the US Embassy, may announce suspensions or curtailment of services, especially in response to planned or ongoing large rallies.
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 former 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 mounting pressure, marking the end of her 15-year rule after protesters stormed the prime minister's official residence. 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.
