Bangladesh: Opposition demonstrations planned in Dhaka May 9 /update 17

Event

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for demonstrations to take place in Dhaka on Wednesday, May 9. According to local sources, demonstrators are expected to rally in front of police stations throughout the city to demand the release of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia from prison. Similar demonstrations are also possible in the vicinity of the BNP's headquarters in the Nayapaltan area of Dhaka. Heightened security measures, as well as associated transportation disruptions, are expected across the city on May 9.

Context

The BNP has been organizing regular demonstrations to demand that former Prime Minister and current chairperson of the BNP Khaleda Zia be released from prison.  Zia was convicted of corruption at a special court in Dhaka on February 8 and sentenced to five years in jail. Multiple BNP-led demonstrations have erupted across the country in recent weeks demanding Zia's release as well as free and fair elections.

Advice

Individuals present in Dhaka are advised to monitor developments to the situation, exercise caution, and avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings due to the possibility of violence.