12 Jul 2020 | 04:06 PM UTC
Bangladesh: Opposition coalition plan march in Dhaka on July 13
LDA plan march over jute-mill closures in Dhaka on July 13; heightened security presence and associated disruption to transportation expected
Event
The Left Democratic Alliance (LDA) opposition coalition are planning to hold a march in Dhaka on Monday, July 13, to protest over the closure of state-owned jute mills. The protesters plan to gather at 10:00 (local time) outside the National Press Club, from where they will march towards Latif Bawani Jute Mills (Dhaka district) along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
Previous demonstrations have been forcibly dispersed by security forces and a heightened security presence, as well as disruption to transport, is expected in the vicinity of the protest march. Further protests are expected in the near term, with plans to form a human chain outside the Prime Minister's office on Tuesday, July 20.
Context
On July 2, the government closed all 25 state-owned jute mills in the country, rendering 50,000 workers at the mills unemployed. The LDA, which combines eight left-leaning political parties, have announced a program of action against the closures. Previous marches over other issues by the LDA have frequently been blocked by the government and crowds forcibly dispersed.
Advice
Individuals in Dhaka are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate transportation disruption in the vicinity of the protest march, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
