Bangladesh: Electoral campaigning begins December 10 /update 1

Event

The official campaign period for Bangaldesh's upcoming elections began on Monday, December 10. Political rallies and protests are likely across the country in the coming weeks ahead of the December 30 vote, along with large crowds, transportation and business disruptions, and a heightened security presence. Violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

Bangladesh will hold general elections on December 30. The 2018 election will largely pit the ruling Awami League, led by three-term Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, against an opposition coalition dominated by the Bangaldesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The opposition coalition's candidate for prime minister is Kamal Hossain of the Gano Forum political party. On December 9, the BNP accused the government of political suppression, stating that police had arrested nearly 2000 organizers and supporters along with 11 candidates. The BNP also blames the courts of interfering with the election by sentencing BNP leader Khaleda Zia and her son, Tarique Rahman, to prison.

Political rallies in Bangladesh often result in violence and unrest and can cause widespread transportation and business disruptions. Work stoppages, official and unofficial roadblocks, and large crowds are possible.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political rallies and public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, refrain from discussing political topics in public, and anticipate large public demonstrations and associated disruptions, including a heightened security presence, road closures, and transportation and business disruptions.