Bangladesh: Campaigning ends ahead of December 30 general elections

Event

As of Friday, December 28, campaigning for the December 30 general election is ending after weeks of violence mainly targeting workers and officials of the main political party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). More than 8000 BNP executives or supporters have been arrested since the beginning of the campaign. Four others were killed and over 12,000 injured. Further unrests are possible ahead, during, and after the vote. An increased security presence is likely around polling stations. Furthermore, authorities have severely restricted Internet services across the country to ''fight propaganda" ahead of Sunday's vote, with 3G and 4G services suspended for several hours.

Context

The 2018 election will largely pit the ruling Awami League, led by three-term Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, against an opposition coalition dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Advice

Individuals in Bangladesh are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all political rallies and public demonstrations due to the risk of violence, refrain from discussing political topics in public, and anticipate large public demonstrations and associated disruptions, including a heightened security presence, road closures, and transportation and business disruptions.