UK advises citizens to avoid gatherings, rallies in Bangladesh on 10 Dec
The United Kingdom government has advised its citizens in Bangladesh to avoid all large gatherings, including political rallies to be held by the BNP on 10 December in Dhaka.
"Political rallies may result in violent clashes, including with law enforcement agencies," said a press release by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the UK government Tuesday.
It said political rallies are expected on 10 December in Dhaka, with potential disruption to transport, communication networks and movement around the city.
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"An increased law enforcement presence in the days surrounding 10 December 2022 is likely," it reads.
Up to 1,50,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year, according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Most visits are trouble-free, it says.
The BNP has been holding rallies in divisional cities since early October, highlighting several demands including poll-time caretaker government and release of the party Chairperson Khaleda Zia. The series of political programmes are scheduled to end with the Dhaka rally on 10 December.
But the venue is yet to be finalised. The BNP wants to hold the rally in front of its Nayapaltan party office, but police said no to it, saying the gathering will "obstruct the regular traffic flow" and cause suffering to people.
