WEEKEND DEMONSTRATIONS:
The police are expecting demonstrations across the country during the weekend due to the continued ongoing Awami League "siege" program and election season related issues. The following is a schedule of known demonstrations to take place over the weekend:

Thursday, November 23, 2006
The BGMEA will conduct a sit-in program in front of the Bangabhaban at 1000 hours. The BNP will gather at the Paltan Maidan at 1100 hour and march to the Election Commission Office at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar where it will stage a sit-in program. The police have advised that potential areas for civil unrest are the Paltan Maidan, Motijheel, Muktangan, Naya Paltan, Bangabandhu Avenue, Russel Square, the Dhaka University Area, Sher-e-Bangla, Mirpur Road and Rokeya Saroni on November 23, 2006.

Friday, November 24, 2006
Islami Constitutional Movement will hold a demonstration at 1500 hours at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque to protest the existing election system. Hizbut Tahrir Bangladesh will also hold a demonstration at 1500 hours at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque demanding implementation of Islamic Rule in Bangladesh.

Because of the threat of civil unrest related to the "siege" program and the election season, travel for RNE staff is restricted to the Diplomatic Enclave from November 23 to 25, 2006. There is a possibility that the Awami League may decide to withdraw the "siege" and the potential for violence will be greatly diminished.

Take care and be safe.