Bangladesh: BNP to protest in Dhaka September 27 /update 26

Event

Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) are planning to hold a rally in Dhaka on Thursday, September 27. On Monday, September 24, the BNP said they applied for a permit to hold the demonstration either at Suhrawardy Udyan or outside of their central office in Naya Paltan. The specific time of the rally has not been released as of the morning (local time) of Tuesday, September 25. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around the demonstration.

Context

The BNP is demanding the release of their imprisoned chairperson, Khaleda Zia. Zia was jailed for five years in February 2018 in connection with an embezzlement scheme worth USD 250,000. Her BNP supporters claim the case is politically motivated and a bid to keep Zia out of the next general elections, scheduled for December 2018.

Advice

Individuals present in Dhaka are advised to avoid all public gatherings and political rallies as a precaution and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.