Bangladesh: Increased security ahead of Independence Day March 25-26

Event

Heightened security measures have been deployed in Bangladesh, particularly the capital Dhaka, ahead of its Independence Day on Tuesday, March 26. Security has been especially tightened in the diplomatic areas of Gulshan and Baridhara, with increased checkpoints and security patrols observed. Multiple Western diplomatic missions have warned nationals to exercise increased vigilance in the coming days and avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, although they state they are not aware of any specific threat. Parades and other festivities are to be anticipated across the country on March 26, especially in Dhaka. 

In addition, Genocide Day will be observed on Monday, March 25, to commemorate the mass killings carried out by the Pakistani Army against Bengali nationalists during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. A one-minute blackout will be observed at 21:00 (local time) on the day.

Context

The Bangladesh Liberation War was a revolution and armed conflict sparked by Bengali nationalists that resulted in the independence of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. The conflict took place in what was then East Pakistan in 1971. The genocide began on March 26, 1971, when West Pakistan launched a military crackdown on Bengali nationalists to suppress their revolutionary movement. During the nine-month-long conflict, the Pakistani military and supporting Islamist militias killed up to 3 million people.

Advice

Individuals present in Dhaka, and Bangladesh more generally, are advised to monitor local developments, avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.