Bangladesh: Additional clashes likely to occur nationwide through July 19 amid opposing political party rallies /update 3

Event

Additional clashes are likely to occur nationwide through July 19 amid planned rival political rallies. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and other opposition parties have been holding nationwide rallies since July 18 to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to allow the country's January 2024 elections to occur under a neutral caretaker government. The ruling Awami League (AL) party has organized counter-rallies at similar or nearby locations, prompting widespread violence, mainly outside Dhaka. Related violence on July 18 killed at least one person and injured over 200 others, including police officers; affected areas include Bogra, Chattogram, Dhaka, Feni, Joypurhat, Khagrachari, Kishoreganj, Lakshmipur, Pirojpur, and Rangpur.

The following groups have announced demonstrations in Dhaka July 19:

• AL: Supporters will march between Tejgaon's Satrasta intersection and Mohakhali from 15:00.

• BNP: March planned 10:00-16:00 from Abdullahpur's Polwel Carnation Shopping Centre to the Jatra Bari intersection via the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC), Kuril Bishwa Road, New Bazar, Badda, Rampura Bridge, Malibagh, Basabo, Mugda, and Sayedabad areas.

• Others: Other political parties and groups will rally at the National Press Club and in the Purana Paltan area 11:00; Liberal Democratic Party office near Karwan Bazaar; outside Notre Dame College 15:00; and Shahbagh intersection 16:00. Marches will also occur from Kamalapur Stadium 12:00 and 16:00.

Additional demonstrations are likely elsewhere across Bangladesh on July 19. Sites for such gatherings could include prominent government buildings, press clubs, public squares, sports fields, and major thoroughfares. Previous gatherings called by the two parties have drawn several hundred supporters, with events in Dhaka involving a few thousand attendees.

Authorities will almost certainly continue to monitor the rallies. Police have earlier used batons, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse overly disruptive groups. Clashes between police and activists, as well as among members of opposing political camps, are likely to occur. Arson and vandal attacks targeting party offices and security installations may recur. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are likely near any large demonstrations.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations due to likely violence. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites, including to and from DAC. Confirm road status and transport reservations, especially in Dhaka. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Carry proper identification documents at all times. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission. Heed all official transport and security advisories.