Headlines by location | 31 Aug 2025 | Location ratings

Expect heightened security and travel disruption on 31 August-5 September during commemorative events by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). These will mark the 47th anniversary of the party’s founding on 1 September. Several political gatherings, public meetings and events will be held around party offices countrywide during this period. Turnout is likely to be significant in major urban centres, including the capital Dhaka. Security will be tightened around large events and short-notice traffic restrictions may be imposed. Plan journeys accordingly and follow official directives.

Avoid demonstrations by students and activists in the capital Jakarta and other major urban centres over the coming days due to the risk of unrest. Participants are protesting against the police’s use of force at recent student-led demonstrations and the death of a motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver. The police have used tear gas and water cannon at demonstrations in several cities since 29 August. Protesters have blocked roads, set buildings alight and thrown projectiles at the authorities. Further demonstrations will be held around police headquarters and government buildings and are likely to be well attended. Expect heightened security and significant traffic disruption around the gatherings.

Expect heightened security and travel restrictions in the Greater Kuala Lumpur metropolitan area ahead of and during the National Day parade on 31 August. Around 100,000 people will attend the parade in the administrative capital Putrajaya’s Dataran Putrajaya from 07.15 (local time) on 31 August. Traffic will be restricted between 06.00 to 12.00 until29 August for rehearsals and more than 2,500 security force personnel will be deployed. The airspace around the capital’s Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) will be closed from 08.00 to 12.00until31 August. A full-dress rehearsal, open to the public, will take place on 29 August.

Plan journeys accounting for disruption on the Auckland Harbour Bridge in Auckland (North Island) over the coming hours. The MetService earlier issued a red alert (highest on a three-tier scale) for high wind gusts in the Auckland region, resulting in the authorities briefly closing the bridge in both directions. The closure caused major traffic disruption on State Highway 1 along and around the bridge. An orange warning (second-highest) remains in place until 23.59 (local time). Expect further temporary lane closures, restricted travel measures and associated traffic congestion on the bridge. Allow additional time to travel and seek alternate routes where possible.

Expect disruption and avoid a protest march in Karachi (Sindh province) by the Jamaat-e-Islami party on 31 August as a precaution. The event has been called on to denounce the alleged lack of government support for Karachi residents during the ongoing severe weather (see related alert). Participants will gather from 15.00 (local time) at the Karachi Press Club and will then march towards the Chief Minister House. Heightened security along the march’s route is likely. The police are liable to forcibly disperse protesters, posing incidental risks to bystanders.