19 Jul 2018 | 12:55 AM UTC
Bangladesh: BNP protests likely in Dhaka following court ruling /update 21
Sixth bail extension by a Bangladeshi court July 11 for imprisoned former Prime Minister Zia (corruption case); protests by supporters likely in Dhaka
Event
On Wednesday, July 11, a court extended the bail granted to imprisoned former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia as she awaits trial. However, the move is purely symbolic as Zia will remain in prison due to her February 2018 conviction on separate charges. The bail of the 72-year-old three-time former premier and current chairperson of the main opposition party - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) - has technically been extended five times since March. Demonstrations by BNP supporters are likely in the capital Dhaka.
Context
Zia was jailed for five years in February 2018 in connection with an embezzlement scheme worth USD 250,000. Her BNP supporters claim the case is politically-motivated and a bid to keep Zia out of the next general elections, scheduled for December 2018.
Advice
Individuals present in Bangladesh, a politically restive South Asian developing country, are advised to stay away from all public gatherings and political rallies and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.
