08 May 2018 | 07:19 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposition demonstrations planned in Dhaka May 9 /update 17
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) calls for demonstrations in Dhaka on May 9; avoid all protests and anticipate transportation disruptions
Event
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for demonstrations to take place in Dhaka on Wednesday, May 9. According to local sources, demonstrators are expected to rally in front of police stations throughout the city to demand the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from prison. Similar demonstrations are also possible in the vicinity of the BNP's headquarters in the Nayapaltan area of Dhaka. Heightened security measures, as well as associated transportation disruptions, are expected across the city on May 9.
Context
The BNP has been organizing regular demonstrations to demand that former Prime Minister and current chairperson of the BNP Khaleda Zia be released from prison. 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.
Advice
Individuals present in Dhaka are advised to monitor developments to the situation, exercise caution, and avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the possibility of violence.
