Bangladesh: BNP to stage hunger strike and rallies in Dhaka July 9 /update 20

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is expected to stage a hunger strike in Dhaka on Monday, July 9, from 09:00 to 16:00 (local time). The hunger strike, organized to demand the release of imprisoned BNP leader Khaleda Zia, will reportedly be accompanied by rallies at the Institution of Engineers and Mohanagar Natya Mancha in the Gulistan area. Other cities and district headquarters in Bangladesh have also been called to join in the hunger strike. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near rally sites. Additional related protests are possible in the coming weeks.

Context

For months, 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 demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.