Bangladesh: March 29 opposition rally in Dhaka postponed /update 14

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the country's main opposition party, announced on Wednesday, March 28, that it would postpone a rally in Dhaka, originally scheduled for Thursday, March 29. According to local sources, the decision to postpone the rally was made due to difficulty in securing a permit for the march. As of the evening (local time) of March 28, it is unclear when the rally will be held.

Context

The rally is being organized to demand that former Prime Minister and current chairperson of the BNP Khaleda Zia be released from prison. Khaleda Zia was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8 and sentenced to five years in jail. Multiple BNP-led demonstrations have erupted across the country in recent weeks demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.

Zia has often said political vendettas under the current government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have motivated the case against her, as well as cases against her sons. She could be barred from participating in the general elections slated for December 2018 if her ongoing appeal is unsuccessful or if she remains held on additional charges.

Advice

Individuals present in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, are advised to monitor the situation, exercise caution, and avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the possibility of violence.