22 Jul 2019 | 07:13 AM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposition rallies planned in Khulna, Rajshahi for July 25, 29 /update 1
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) calls for rally in Khulna on July 25 to demand release of chairperson Khaleda Zia; similar rally in Rajshahi planned for July 29
Event
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is planning to hold a rally in Khulna (Khulna division) on Thursday, July 25, to demand the immediate release of BNP party chairperson Khaleda Zia. The protest will take place at the BNP office in Khulna. A similar protest is also planned in Rajshahi (Rajshahi division) on Monday, July 29. The July 29 rally is expected to take place at Shaheb Bazar. Further protests are expected across Bangladesh before Eid al-Adha on August 10.
A BNP spokesman claimed 100,000 people attended the Barisal demonstration on Thursday, July 18. Large attendance is also likely for the upcoming rallies along with associated transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence. Previous protests have been peaceful, though clashes with security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
Khaleda Zia, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2018 on corruption charges. Similar protests were held in Barisal and Chittagong on July 18 and 20.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the vicinity of the rally, and anticipate localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence.
