Photo: Collected. Ahead of the upcoming general elections, various political parties may hold rallies in different places of Bangladesh by the end of this September. Crisis24, a private security firm that provides global integrated risk management, crisis response, consulting and defensive solutions, said this in a report. The agency also cautioned against possible violence.
The organization said that BNP and its affiliated organizations have planned to hold 5 protest marches in most of the departments from September 16 to 30. On September 16, there will be a protest march from an undisclosed location in Rangpur to Rangpur Dinajpur. Rallies are scheduled to take place in several areas during the procession.
On September 17, BNP and allied organizations will hold a protest march from Bogra to Rajshahi in Rajshahi division. Rallies are scheduled to take place in several areas during the procession.
On September 21, protesters will march from Bhairab Upazila of Kishoreganj District of Dhaka Division to Brahmanbaria, Chittagong Division. Besides, the same program will be held in Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Sylhet divisions.
On the 26th of the last week of the month, the organizers of the Khulna division will gather at Jhenaidah. Finally, on September 30, the agitators will gather in Chittagong via Comilla and Feni of Chittagong division.
According to Crisis24, the BNP leaders started these protest programs from the second week of September to demand the resignation of the current government and general elections under a neutral caretaker government. As a part of this, BNP will conclude the program with a protest march in Barisal, Faridpur and Mymensingh divisions as well as a march in Dhaka. Leaders and activists will stand and blockade in front of the important government buildings of Dhaka including Bangladesh Secretariat, Election Commission and Prime Minister's office building.
The political parties will participate in various protests to ensure more gatherings of various political parties in the coming days. Potential gathering places for parties include political party offices, police stations, important government buildings, museums, public places, sports grounds, mosques, press clubs and streets. However, the nature of these programs may change. Organizers may cancel or delay any planned activities at short notice due to organizational problems or law enforcement restrictions.
Crisis24 says Bangladeshi authorities will almost certainly monitor any such gathering. May take steps to disperse the crowd. The possibility of clashes between the police and leaders-activists as well as members of rival political parties cannot be ruled out. Officers may respond to incidents with mass arrests or use of force, including lathicharge and tear gas. Protesters may march or block roads. As a result local transport services may be disrupted.
In such a context, Crisis24 has given some advice for common people. These include- avoid all demonstrations because of the potential for violence. Leave the area at the first sign of any security breach. Minimize excess travel near places of political gatherings. Plan accordingly for potential local disruptions. Follow all government transportation and safety advice.
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