Bangladesh: Opposition party announces nationwide protests October 23 /update 3

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) reportedly announced in a press conference on Tuesday, October 22, that it plans to hold nationwide protests on Wednesday, October 23. BNP leaders are denouncing police involvement in the deaths of four protesters in Bhola on Sunday, October 20. Supporters are expected to gather at all police stations in Dhaka, and in all district towns and cities across the country.

The religious group Shorbodoliyo Muslim Oikya Parishad (SMOP) has also called for more protests across Bhola district (Barisal Division) on Thursday, October 24, and on Friday, October 25, despite an indefinite ban on rallies and public gatherings previously issued by authorities. Supporters are due to form a human-chain protest at the district headquarters on Sadar Road on Thursday although organizers did not immediately announce a meeting time. On Friday, a Duaa Mahfil (prayer) will take place in front of the Atkhola Mosque - likely following afternoon prayers. SMOP has given the local administration 72 hours as of the evening on Monday, October 21, to meet six demands; including the death penalty for a Hindu man they claimed defamed the Prophet Muhammad and justice for those that died in protests on Sunday, October 20. Additional police officers are deployed in all upazilas as of Tuesday to enforce the ban on public gatherings, according to local media outlets. Business disruptions have been reported in the area since Monday, and are likely to continue in the coming days.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near all protest sites.

Context

At least four people were killed and another 50 wounded after clashes erupted between protesters and police in Bhola district on October 20. Protesters had gathered to denounce a Facebook post in which a Hindu individual reportedly made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad. Officials said that hackers were reponsible for the social media post, and that arrests had been made. SMOP consequently made six demands to the local government and called for protests to continue until they are met, as well as the death penalty for the Hindu individual.

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and public gatherings, anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence around the conference site, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.