21 Sep 2017 | 04:37 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Increased security ahead of Muharram, Sep. 21-Oct. 19
Expect heightened security during Shi’a holy month of Muharram, beginning September 21
Event
Bangladeshi security forces are increasing their presence in cities across the country ahead of the holy month of Muharram, which will begin on Thursday, September 21, and conclude on October 19. Shi’a Muslims typically hold gatherings and prayers during this period. Large-scale processions are planned on Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, October 1. There is an increased risk of militant attacks and other sectarian violence during the annual Ashura procession. Security forces will be deployed to maintain law and order during processions, particularly in Dhaka and Chittagong. Road closures and spontaneous violence cannot be ruled out.
Context
In 2015, one person was killed and 80 others injured in a bomb attack on the main Shi’a shrine in Dhaka as thousands had gathered for the Ashura procession. The militant group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Muharram is dedicated to collective prayer to mourn the martyr Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
The number of terrorist attacks has been gradually increasing in predominantly Sunni Muslim Bangladesh, where the Shi’a minority is often targeted. Some terrorist groups, including Jamaat ul-Mujahideen (JMB), have pledged allegiance to IS. JMB has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Bangladesh, including the attack on a café on July 1, 2016, in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter, in which 22 people were killed. Police have killed more than 40 suspected terrorists in raids since the café attack.
Advice
Due to the high risk of terrorism in Bangladesh, exercise vigilance when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.) and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.
