Bangladesh: Awami League to hold celebration rally in Dhaka January 19 /update 5

Event

The Awami League is hosting an election celebration rally in Dhaka on Saturday, January 19. The event will take place at Suhrawardy Udyan at 11:00 (local time) and be attended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other prominent politicians. Dhake Metropolitan Police will close roads in the area and attendees will proceed on foot from the outside of the security zone. Crowded conditions and traffic congestion are expected in southern Dhaka. A heightened security presence is also expected in the vicinity of the event. Opposition protests nearby or in other areas of Dhaka cannot be ruled out.

Context

Bangladesh held general elections on December 30, 2018, marred by claims of vote rigging and suppression of opposition candidates. The 2018 election pit the ruling Awami League, led by three-term Prime Minister Hasina, against an opposition coalition dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The opposition coalition's candidate for prime minister is Kamal Hossain of the Gano Forum political party. The BNP has rejected the outcome and demands new elections.

Political rallies in Bangladesh often result in violence and unrest and can cause widespread transportation and business disruptions. Associated work stoppages, official and unofficial roadblocks, and large crowds are common.

Advice

Individuals in Dhaka are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence.