Bangladesh government imposes nationwide curfew and deploys military

The Bangladesh government has imposed a nationwide curfew, banned all gatherings in Dhaka and deployed the military in response to violent student-led protests.

The youth activists have organised several demonstrations across the country since early July, including rail and road blockades.

They are demanding reforms to the government employment quota system and addressing related grievances. The protests and associated violence have reportedly killed more than 100 people and injured thousands more.

The government has suspended various telecommunications and mobile internet services. Several local news channels across the country were also shut down. Officials have ordered most academic institutions, including public and private universities, to close until further notice.

Several rallies, counter-protests and clashes have taken place in urban centres such as Bogura, Chattogram, Dhaka and Rangpur. The main locations of the rallies have included transport hubs, university campuses and major road arteries. In recent days, activists have committed acts of vandalism, including arson, particularly targeting vehicles and the Bangladesh Television (BTV) headquarters.

On July 19, protesters stormed a prison in Narsingdi district, Dhaka division, freeing hundreds of inmates before setting fire to the facility. Reports indicate that protesters were carrying improvised weapons, including iron rods and steel pipes.

According to authorities, a recent police operation at the headquarters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) seized weapons and accelerants, including crude bombs, wooden and bamboo sticks and bottles of petrol.

The ongoing unrest has led to significant disruptions to business operations, passenger and freight rail services and vehicular movement, particularly in Dhaka. Rail and highway blockades continue to occur sporadically in some areas, hampering transportation on key routes, including in the capital.

Clashes also broke out in several parts of the capital, including near the Gulshan-Badda Link Road. The Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) announced the temporary suspension of its operations from 5:30 p.m. on June 18; it was not immediately clear when authorities would fully restore Dhaka Metro Rail services.

In addition, Maitree Express train services between Dhaka and Kolkata, in the Indian state of West Bengal, have been cancelled until July 20.

The U.S. Embassy closed its doors to the public on July 18 and offered only limited services on July 19.

There are reports of flight disruptions at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka due to the unrest. Further flight disruptions, including delays and cancellations, are likely at DAC airport in the coming days.

Further protest activities of various types, including transport blockades, are likely to continue in the coming weeks. Student activists have called for all institutions to participate in a nationwide strike; widespread commercial disruption is possible if such a labor action takes place. Counter-demonstrations could take place at short notice.

Participation in protests varies by sponsor and location; tens of thousands of people can participate in some demonstrations. Activists typically hold marches between university squares and major intersections or public squares.

Possible gathering places in the capital include the campuses of the University of Dhaka and Jagannath University, the Raju Memorial Sculpture and the Shahbagh area.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence in areas of Bangladesh. Depending on operational needs, officials may implement further security restrictions.

Police may make mass arrests and use force – including baton charges, tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition – to disperse unruly crowds. Further clashes between protesters and police, and between supporters of opposing groups, are highly likely. Further incidents of vandalism, including arson, cannot be ruled out.

Local disruptions to transportation and business will almost certainly affect areas subject to heightened security, clashes, and vandalism. Diplomatic facilities, including the U.S. Embassy, ​​will likely announce additional closures in response to planned or ongoing large gatherings.

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