BRITISH AIRWAYS - British Airways is to launch a new route from Gatwick to Costa Rica from May 4, 2016. The airline will initially fly twice per week to San Jose's Santamaria International airport. BA then plans to add a third weekly flight on the route for winter 2016/17 BA will use a Boeing 777 aircraft on the route which will include 48 seats in Club World, 24 in World Traveller Plus and 203 in the World Traveller economy cabin During summer 2016, flights will operate on Wednesday and Saturday departing from Gatwick at 11.55 and 11.00 respectively, with arrival in San Jose at 15.45 or 14.50 Flights for winter 2016/17 will operate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with departures on Tuesday and Saturday at 10.15 for arrival in San Jose at 15.35. Flights on Thursday will leave Gatwick at 11.25 for arrival in Costa Rica at 16.45.

ITALY(ABRUZZO, LAZIO & SARDINIA REGIONS) - Union-led strike action is set to cause significant disruptions to public transport services in Italy's Abruzzo, Lazio and Sardinia regions on 7 and 8 August. In Abruzzo, several labour unions, including FILT-CGIL, have called for their members to participate in a 24-hour strike on 7 August. The strike action is set to affect all public transport services across that region. Also on 7 August, unionised employees of public transport service operators, ATAC and Roma TPL, are set to observe a four-hour work stoppage from 08:30 to 12:30 local time in the capital, Rome, in the Lazio region. Public transport disruptions are also expected in Sardinia on 8 August, with labour unions, including FIT-CISL, calling on their members to observe a region-wide work stoppage from 16:00 to 22:30. The planned strikes will affect bus, metro and rail services in the aforementioned regions. Italy's public transport sectors are regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strikes are set to cause significant disruptions to bus, metro and rail services in the aforementioned regions. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected. Persons in Italy's aforementioned regions are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus, metro and rail services on 7 and 8 August, and plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and associated demonstrations. Please visit the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure website (http://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi) for further information regarding the strikes.

OMAN(MASIRAH ISLAND) - Oman's transport authorities have banned all private passenger ferry operators operating routes to and from Masirah Island. The ban will remain in place until investigations into the 4 August sinking of the Al Thuraya ferry which was transporting 50 passengers between Shanah and Masirah. The authorities have stated that additional government ferries will be deployed to the area to meet the demand for transport. It is unclear when the ban will be lifted. Travellers utilising ferry services to and from Masirah Island should reconfirm the status of services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure.

THAILAND(RANONG, PHANGNGA & PHUKET) - Incident description: Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued flood warnings for the southern provinces of Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket, which came into effect on 5 August. The warnings are in place until the end on 9 August, at least. The warning has indicated that heavy rain conducive to flash flooding is expected.  Thailand's south west monsoon season, which generally occurs from mid-May to September, is characterised by warm, cloudy weather with bouts of heavy rainfall. The northern, eastern and north eastern parts of the country are often most adversely affected. However, low-lying and coastal areas in the south and west are also regularly affected, as this latest weather warning demonstrates. The heavy seasonal rains have likely resulted in saturated ground conditions, which may exacerbate the risk of flooding and resultant landslides in the aforementioned locations. In addition, transport disruptions are likely in the coming days as a result of the inclement weather. Clients in the affected provinces are advised to monitor local media for further updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly along rivers due to the threat of flooding, as well as in elevated regions due to the risk of landslides. 

EAST ASIA - (Update) Strong winds and heavy rain have been reported as Tropical Storm Soudelor begins to impact on Taiwan as a Category 3 storm on 7 August. The centre of the storm system is forecast to make direct landfall over the country by 8 August, between the cities of Hualien and Taitung. Taiwan is currently under an extraordinary torrential rain advisory. Government and educational institutions have been closed ahead of the storm, as have many businesses. In preparation, evacuation centres capable of holding tens of thousands of people have been set up. Over 30,000 soldiers have been placed on emergency standby, as have 3,000 military vehicles. Authorities have also placed barriers at high-risk locations along the eastern coastline to prevent people from accessing these areas, as well as to mitigate the effects of storm surges. Approximately 600 people in high-risk locations along the east coast have been evacuated as a precaution. Many domestic and international flights and ferries have been suspended. Rail services also have or will shortly be suspended. It should be noted that although Tropical Storm Soudelor is currently a Category 3 Storm, it is possible that this rating may increase in intensity, resulting in a Category 4 Storm rating, as it passes over Taiwan. The storm is also bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Japan's southern Ryukyu Islands and the northern portions of the Philippines' Luzon region, although the impact there is considerably less than Taiwan. After passing over Taiwan, Tropical Storm Soudelor will continue to travel in a roughly north westerly direction, where it will begin to impact on eastern parts of China within the next 12 to 24 hours; the storm is likely to make landfall over Fujian province. Thereafter the storm is forecast to decrease rapidly in intensity. Despite this, given the storm's initial strength as it makes landfall over China, authorities in China have taken precautionary measures, including the evacuation of residents in coastal areas. Furthermore, the authorities are expected to cancel rail services from 8 August. It should be noted that the last comparable storm of this strength to directly impact on Taiwan, resulting in high numbers of casualties, was Tropical Storm Morakot in August 2009. The storm dropped record levels of rain over the country, resulting in severe flooding and leaving over 700 people dead or missing. While as a Category 1 storm Morakot was weaker than Soudelor, the former was a considerably slower moving storm. In general, slower moving storms generate less wind and more rain. As such, although the winds associated with Soudelor are stronger, the rainfall and flooding caused by the storm system are not currently expected to be as severe as was with Morakot. Moreover, Taiwan's government at the time was severely criticised for its poor preparedness with regard to Morakot. As a comparison, the then-government had only put approximately 2,000 troops on standby to deal with emergencies, whereas 30,000 troops have been readied prior to the landfall of Soudelor. Given this dynamic, emergency services are expected to respond with greater efficiency. More generally, in terms of infrastructure, buildings in Taiwan are generally expected to be able to withstand the effects of Soudelor's strong winds. The threat is likely to be more severe in more rural and mountainous regions of the country, where flash floods and landslides are expected to pose the greatest threat to foreign nationals in the country. It should be noted that all these dynamics may change as the travelling direction and speed, wind speed or levels of rainfall associated with tropical storms can change with little to no warning. Nonetheless, strong winds, coastal storm surges and adverse maritime conditions are also anticipated. In addition to ferry service disruptions, air and road transport services may be affected. Power supply and communication disruptions should also be anticipated. Clients in or planning to travel to Taiwan, China's Fujian provinces and surrounds, Japan's Ryukyu Islands or the northern parts of the Philippines' Luzon region over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. This is particularly pertinent for persons in Taiwan, as the country is due to experience the most severe conditions. Caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly along rivers, due to the threat of flooding, as well as in elevated regions, due to the risk of landslides. Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure. Provisions such as battery-operated torches, food and water should be ensured. For updates on the storm's progression, please visit http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/.

SPAIN(EXTREMADURA & MURCIA REGIONS) - Wildfires in Spain's south western Extremadura region have resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of people overnight 6/7 August. The worst-affected areas are the towns of Perales del Puerto and Acebo. Wildfires are also burning in the south eastern Murcia region's Sierra del Almirez and Cieza areas. The wildfires coincide with Spain's summer season, from June to September. Wildfires are common during this period. In recently affected areas further evacuations of local communities and localised road travel disruptions should be expected.  Travellers should exercise heightened caution in wildfire-affected areas. The directives of the local authorities should be closely adhered to. Persons travelling near fire-affected areas should keep windows closed and ensure that the air-conditioning system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

CENTRAL AFRICA(GREAT LAKES REGION) - A number of casualties have been reported in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa following a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in the region on the morning of 7 August. The earthquake struck approximately 39km north of the city of Bukavu, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, where at least two people were killed as a result of the quake. Several buildings were also damaged. Minor earthquake-related injuries and property damage were also reported in western Rwanda.  Due to various security concerns, all travel to the city of Bukavu and the wider South Kivu province in the DRC is advised against. Persons currently in the region, in addition to neighbouring areas in the DRC and Rwanda, are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories.

CHILE(CENTRAL & NORTHERN REGIONS) - According to reports released on 7 August, heavy rain on 6 August has resulted in widespread flooding and related disruptions in the Santiago Metropolitan Region and the Valparaiso Region. Approximately 42,000 houses are experiencing power outages, with the majority of the affected homes located in the capital, Santiago. In addition, numerous major roads have been closed as a result of flooding, including President Kennedy Avenue, Americo Vespucio Avenue and the Costanera Norte expressway. Elsewhere, the northern regions of Antofagasta, Atacama and Araucania have also reported moderate disruptions as a result of the recent heavy rains. The adverse weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming 48 hours at least. Additionally, inclement weather in recent days has left large parts of the country saturated with numerous rivers close to capacity. As such, even moderate levels of rainfall have the potential to cause further flooding and exacerbate the situation in flood-affected areas. Disruptions to road, rail and possibly air travel are anticipated as a result of the adverse weather conditions. Additional disruptions to utilities such as electricity cannot be discounted. Clients in the affected parts of Chile are advised to anticipate weather-related disruptions to transport services, and should confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

VENEZUELA - Venezuela's economic crisis, which has resulted in high inflation and currency depreciation, continues to be characterised by a widespread shortage of basic commodities, resulting in severe social tension that has manifested in several cases of looting. The media, citing the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, indicates that 56 lootings and 76 attempted lootings have been reported at supermarkets in the first half of 2015. Recent incidents were reported on 4 August (Palo Verde area of the capital, Caracas, and Carabobo), 2 August (Bicentenario supermarket in the capital), 1 August (Puerto La Cruz), 31 July (Ciudad Guayana) and 30 July (Monagas). Numerous other low-level acts of violence in supermarkets have been reported across the country in recent weeks. The state of Bolivar is reportedly one of the worst-affected states in terms of shortages.  The economic situation is unlikely to improve over the near-term and further low-level civil unrest and looting is expected in the country. An associated increase in petty and violent crime is also possible. The political opposition is likely to take advantage of the current elevated anti-government sentiment and may announce an increase in political protest action ahead of legislative elections on 6 December; one demonstration has already been called. The opposition Mesa de la Unidad Democratica or Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) called for protests in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, and all provincial capitals on 8 August. The protests have been called in response to shortages of basic commodities and against perceived government inefficiency and corruption. Clients in Venezuela in the coming months are advised to monitor local developments closely and should ensure that crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) are regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with their security provider. Heightened caution is advised near all food distribution points and all street protests should be avoided. Travellers should ensure that property is well secured. Persons operating in the country should also ensure that residences have adequate security in place.

YEMEN(SANAA) - According to media reports on 6 August, a French national who was abducted in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on 24 February has been released. The circumstances leading to and surrounding the release are unknown at present.  The risk of kidnapping in Yemen is considered high. The risk stems from tribes, militants and organised crime gangs. The abduction or short term detention of local and foreign nationals by local state security forces or other political armed groups also occurs regularly. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons operating in Yemen are advised to exercise an elevated level of personal, residential and travel security measures. Contingency and evacuation plans should be reviewed and updated regularly.

GULF OF PARIA - Two Trinidadian nationals were abducted by suspected pirates in Venezuelan waters in late May. The duo set sail from Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, on a fishing trip to the Gulf of Paria on 26 May. It is then thought that the victims were confronted by Venezuelan pirates and abducted. A ransom of US$10,000 each was demanded for their release. On 2 August, the Venezuelan security forces reportedly identified the location of the kidnappers. The security forces engaged the pirates in an area between the Venezuelan coastal towns of Costa Mapire and Guiria (Sucre state), killing five of them. Two officers were wounded. Despite the operation, the victims remain missing. The Trinidad and Tobago authorities have since reported that the victims are among a number of Trinidadian nationals who have gone missing in Venezuelan territory. Piracy is a concern off the cost of Venezuela and the recent incident underscores this risk. There have been numerous incidents reported in the Gulf of Paria area in the past. These have largely affected soft targets, such as fishermen and leisure craft. Mariners off the coast of Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago should take heed of the current threat level and recent attacks and should ensure that security measures are in place while transiting the area. For further information, mariners should contact the local security forces or maritime authorities.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - At least three people have been killed and over 100 wounded as a result of a suspected suicide car bombing reported in the Shah Shahid area of Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, early on 7 August. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a US-Afghan army compound may have been the target of the attack. Further details are currently unavailable.  Although there have been no immediate claims of responsibility, the attack is likely to have been orchestrated by militants aligned with the Taleban, a Sunni extremist group. Acts of terrorism perpetrated by the Taleban are frequently reported in the country's major urban centres, including Kabul. The recent attack coincides with ongoing elevated levels of conflict countrywide between the Taleban and the Afghanistan security forces. An elevated security presence should be expected in the affected area in the coming hours. Additional patrols and checkpoints are also likely. Similar attacks in the affected location or wider city area remain possible in the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Travel in recent violence-affected areas should be deferred until the local security environment stabilises.

TURKEY(SILOPI DISTRICT(SIRNAK PROVINCE)) - At least three people were killed and a police officer injured in armed clashes in Silopi district, located in Turkey's southern Sirnak province, on 7 August. Incoming reports indicate that clashes occurred in the Basak and Barbaros areas, where reconstruction works to repair illegal road trenches were underway amid a heavy police presence. Suspected militants, believed to be aligned with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), are said to have attacked police officers. At least ten people have been detained. The clash is the latest in a series of security incidents affecting Turkey's southern provinces, including Sirnak, in recent weeks. The government and local media have attributed many of the attacks to PKK fighters. The spike in frequency of incidents follows the suspected Islamic State (IS) bombing in Suruc on 20 July and a renewed government offensive against PKK positions in south eastern Turkey and northern Iraq. Further such incidents are expected to persist for the short- to medium-term.  Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in a number of Turkey's southern provinces, including Sirnak. In addition, all non-essential travel to Sirnak is advised against due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. Travel near state infrastructure, facilities and personnel should be avoided. Travel in the south east should be conducted with a trained security driver and during the day only. Persons in Silopi district are advised to avoid the affected areas until the situation stabilises.

MALI(SEVARE) - (Update) At least two people are believed to have been killed amid an ongoing militant attack in the town of Sevare, located in Mali's central Mopti region, on 7 August. Unconfirmed reports indicate that gunmen remain present at a hotel which was targeted in the attack. Although initial reports indicated that the security incident occurred at Hotel Debo, later reports indicate that multiple hotels may have been targeted. A security operation has since been launched in the town.  Although unconfirmed, the attack in Sevare may have been a kidnapping attempt by Islamist militants operating in the region. It is believed that a number of foreign nationals, including French, South African and Ukrainian citizens, were resident at the targeted hotel facilities. Militants in the Mopti region have targeted hotels before as a means of abducting foreign nationals. In 2011, militants of the al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) militant group abducted two French nationals from the town of Hombori. One of the hostages was executed by his captors while the other was released after a ransom was reportedly paid to the militant group. Due to various security concerns, including elevated threats of terrorism, conflict and kidnapping, all travel to Mali's Mopti region is advised against. Clients in the town of Sevare are advised to maintain a low profile, restrict all non-essential movements and defer all travel to the town's hotel zone at this time.

SYRIA(HOMS GOVERORATE) - Islamic State (IS) forces have launched an offensive in Syria's central Homs governorate. Reports on 6 August indicate that IS forces captured the town of al-Qaryatain from the regime. IS forces have subsequently moved towards and are clashing with regime forces in Mheen, located further west.  The assault follows the IS capture of Palmyra in May. Should IS forces capture Mheen and move further west, they will sever the regime's territory in two and prevent it from reinforcing or resupplying its forces along the M5 road route, which runs down the centre of the country. The government is likely to deploy additional forces to the area to contain and push back the assault. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict in the country.
   

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDONDERRY(DERRY), NORTHERN IRELAND) - The annual Relief of Derry parade will take place in Londonderry (Derry), Northern Ireland, in the United Kingdom, on 8 August. While a number of smaller parades are set to take place from 09:00 local time, the main parade is set to commence at 12:30 and return via the same route at 16:00. A number of road restrictions will be in place ahead of the parades. Traffic disruptions are expected from 10:30, with cordoning off of parade routes from 12:00. The initial parades will proceed from Fountain Estate, Hawkin Street, London Street and Society Street. The main parade will proceed from Duke Street and move across Craigavon Bridge to the Walled City, via Carlisle Road, before returning to Craigavon Bridge and making its way to May Street. The return parade employs the route in reverse. The Relief of Derry celebrations mark the 1689 anniversary of the siege of Derry by England's Catholic ruler, James II. The parades form part of Northern Ireland's annual marching season and are linked to the Protestant fraternal society of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, which has clubs and branches across Ireland, the UK and other countries. The parades are usually well attended and accompanied by an increased security force presence. Significant traffic disruptions are expected due to the associated road restrictions and expected crowd for the event. Persons in Londonderry on 8 August are advised to avoid all parades, associated gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Travel disruptions along the parade routes should be expected throughout the day and clients should adjust their travel plans accordingly.

BOTSWANA - The Botswana Power Corporation has warned of impending power outages across Botswana due to supply shortages. Specific details pertaining to the start times and anticipated duration of the power outages have not been disclosed.  Persons currently in or intending to travel to Botswana should anticipate disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications, transportation and other electronics-based services at this time, and should plan accordingly. Furthermore, travel delays caused by traffic lights not functioning should be expected in urban areas across the country; clients are advised to make allowances for increased journey times.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Members and supporters of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) war veterans' association have called for a demonstration in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on 7 August. The demonstration has been called with regard to the establishment of a special war tribunal to address alleged war crimes committed during the Kosovo War; several KLA members have been accused of such abuses to date. Participants are expected to gather at the Skanderbeg monument from 12:00 local time. This is the latest in a series of protests held by the association in recent months. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent altercations cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Due to the emotive nature of the protest, further such events are expected in the short- to medium-term. Persons in Pristina on 7 August are advised to monitor local media for announcements regarding the demonstration. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.
   

ZIMBABWE(MAJOR URBAN CENTERS) - The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called for members and supporters of the Congress to participate in protests against job redundancies in major urban centres countrywide, on 8 August. The largest demonstrations are expected in Harare and Bulawayo, while secondary demonstrations are also set to take place in Gweru, Chinhoyi and Mutare. Further information regarding the demonstrations is currently unavailable; however, authorities have stated that an elevated police presence will be evident in the vicinity of Parliament and other government buildings in Harare.  The planned demonstrations are likely to be well attended. The police are also expected to deploy at all related gatherings. The potential for clashes between the demonstrators and the police is considered elevated; this will likely increase further should union members gather near prominent government buildings. Clients in the affected cities on 8 August should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - A protest, initiated by the Coalition of Press Freedom (CPF), is expected to take place in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 8 August. The protest is scheduled to begin at 11:00 local time at the Central Market and conclude at the headquarters of the Bar Council of Malaysia. The event has been called in opposition to limitations on media freedom; the CPF is demanding a lift on the suspension of numerous news publications, including the Edge Weekly, the Edge Financial Daily and the Sarawak Report. The Malaysian Home Ministry suspended the publishing permits for the aforementioned publications on 27 July due to content which the government alleged is prejudicial to public order. Malaysia enforces strict regulations regarding public gatherings. The country's security forces have been known to use heavy-handed tactics when dispersing crowds. Although foreign nationals are not typically targeted by unrest, the incidental risk to bystanders remains. Additionally, localised travel disruptions in and around the protest route should be anticipated.  Persons in Malaysia are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments and avoid all protests as a precaution. Clients should make provisions for travel disruptions and plan accordingly.
  

HAITI - Parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place in Haiti on 9 August. Two-thirds of the senate and all members of the Chamber of Deputies are eligible for election. Protests and election-related violence are possible throughout the election period as a result of elevated political tensions. This is due partly to the fact that the Haitian parliament was dissolved in January 2015; the administration failed to hold timeous local and municipal elections. As a result of this, President Michel Martelly was free to rule by decree.  Haiti has experienced regular anti-government protests since 2014; these have been led by opposition groups seeking to overthrow the Martelly regime, which has been accused of maladministration. Martelly was inaugurated on 14 May 2011, after a disputed presidential election period which opposition parties have alleged was characterised by postponements, electoral fraud, incidents of politically motivated violence and the exclusion of candidates. Anti-government protests have resulted in incidents of civil disorder, including vandalism and violent clashes between protesters and police. Further clashes between protesters and security forces are possible at upcoming election-related protests. In light of this, robust security measures are likely to be employed across the country ahead of the ballot as well as during the election; these may include security checkpoints, random identification checks, road closures and a number of other movement-restrictive security measures. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in violent unrest; however, there is a credible risk to persons in the vicinity of protests. Likely protest gathering points include the downtown area of the capital, Port-au-Prince, or prominent government buildings, such as the National Palace. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country are advised to monitor local developments and should avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Clients in Haiti during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and avoid all polling stations, political party offices and other election-related facilities.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC/HAITI - Border crossings between the Dominican Republic and neighbouring Haiti will be closed ahead of the 9 August parliamentary elections in Haiti. The closures will be in place from 18:00 local time on 8 August until 06:00 on 10 August.  It should be noted that the closure of the land border is a precautionary measure to ensure security on election day.  Clients intending to travel between the aforementioned countries over the affected period should consider postponing their arrangements until the election has concluded. Alternatively, air travel should be considered.

SINGAPORE(NATIONAL STADIUM) - Singapore is scheduled to commemorate National Day on 9 August. Celebratory events, in the form of a National Day Parade will take place on the day. The parade will focus on the National Stadium (Padang), and road closures will be in effect in the vicinity, disrupting travel in the area. A map of the road closures, the first of which will take place from 02:00 local time on 9 August, can be accessed here: http://goo.gl/9y551I. Persons in the area are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to parking restrictions as vehicles found parking indiscriminately and causing obstruction will most likely be towed by authorities.

BANGLADESH - Countrywide demonstrations are possible ahead of and during the court trial of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) opposition leader, Khaleda Zia, in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 10 August. The Anti-Corruption Commission has filed two cases against Zia relating to fraudulent charitable trust funds established during the BNP-led government's tenure from 1991 to 1996. The potential for demonstrations and unrest between supporters of the opposing political parties in the capital is considered elevated during the above-mentioned court case. Although significant levels of violence are not anticipated, should demonstrations occur, these can result in confrontations between security forces and protesters. Although no demonstration venues are currently available, the Supreme Court in Dhaka and urban centres across the country are likely to be focal points for protest activity. As such, travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all related activity. Persons in the country on 10 August should monitor local media for updates and developments and avoid all protests and demonstration-related activity.

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