HARTAL KICKS OFF NEW OPPOSITION PROGRAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 000353

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2016
TAGS: PGOV BD BGD
SUBJECT: HARTAL KICKS OFF NEW OPPOSITION PROGRAM

REF: DHAKA 0239

Classified By: A/DCM D.C. McCullough, reason para 1.4 d.


1. (SBU) On January 22, the Awami League led a nationwide
strike (hartal) called to protest the recent activities of
the Election Commission (EC),including the recent
appointment of two controversial Commissioners and the EC's
apparent determination to continue creating a new voter role
(reftel). In Dhaka, the hartal appeared to be somewhat
better enforced and observed than during hartals over the
last 12 months.


2. (U) Some 200 persons were arrested during clashes with
police, according to press reports, while the most serious
encounter with police occurred in Jamalpur, where police
firing injured 10 demonstrators. There were no reports of
deaths or life-threatening injuries anywhere during the
hartal.


3. (C) On January 23, during a meeting with Peace Corps Chief
of Security Pat Hogan (septel),Home Minister of State Babar
told Charge that 64 demonstrators had been arrested, but 80
percent of them had already been released. While
participating in a hartal is a democratic right, he said,
curtailing the ability of citizens to move about, and of
businesses and schools to open, is an infringement of
non-participant's rights.

4 (C) Comment: The hartal kicked off the AL-led opposition's
latest effort to force the government to hold early elections
and accept far-reaching changes in the electoral setup.
Rallies around the country and a long "road march" are next
on the agenda. At the new session of parliament opening late
January 23, the AL will continue its boycott. It is unclear
if AL MP's will show up in the next several days to avoid
forfeiting their seats for 90 days of non-attendance.
CHAMMAS