Bangladesh: January 30 elections rescheduled for February 1 in Dhaka /update 1

Event

The Election Commission announced that the elections to Dhaka South City and North City Corporations initially scheduled on Thursday, January 30, will now be held on Saturday, February 1. The decision comes after increased pressure from several communities and university students demanding it be changed due to the election day coinciding with a day off to celebrate the religious festival Saraswati Puja on January 30. A heightened security presence is expected in the capital, although the army is not expected to be deployed.

Political rallies and protests are expected in the lead up to the elections and following the result of the elections; a heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be anticipated near all such demonstrations.

Advice

Individuals in Dhaka are advised to monitor the situation, avoid public political demonstrations due to the risk of violence, anticipate localized disruptions on February 1, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.