• The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is slated to protest at police stations across Dhaka on May 9, including at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters, to demand the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

• The BNP originally planned to protest at the party’s central office in Nayapaltan on May 7. Prior to the rally, the police rejected the BNP’s application for permission and implemented heightened security around Nayapaltan with water tanks, armored vehicles, and a prison van to thwart the demonstration.

The BNP likely perceives the police action at the May 7 rally as being politically motivated and indicative of the ruling Awami League government’s use of the state security apparatus for its own agenda. The May 9 protests seem to be a direct response to the police-led crackdowns on the BNP’s recent protest efforts to secure the release of their leader. Given that the demonstration will be held outside police stations, there is a significant threat of clashes between local law enforcement and BNP activists, especially at the rally at the police headquarters. The police may even hold preemptive arrests prior to May 9 in order to deter party members from attending the demonstrations.

Those operating or residing in Dhaka on May 9 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of all police stations, especially at the police headquarters in Dhaka South, given the potential for unrest.