During 13-15 February 2021, large-scale protests continued nationwide amid an increased presence of military and security forces. On 15 February, in the capital Naypyitaw, hundreds of civil servants participated in a “Civil Disobedience Movement” (CDM) protest. Security forces arrested approximately 20 student demonstrators near the Thapyegone roundabout. In Yangon, hundreds of protesters rallied outside the Yangon branch of the Central Bank of Myanmar in an effort to persuade bank employees to join the CDM. In response, military personnel deployed at least 12 vehicles to the front of the bank. Additionally, security forces reportedly attempted to enter the National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters in Yangon to arrest senior NLD leaders and blocked a large group of protesters from entering the immediate area surrounding the building. As more demonstrators arrived, security personnel left without entering the building. In Mandalay, security forces fired rubber bullets and used slingshots to disperse approximately 1,000 protesters who were gathered outside the Myanmar Economic Bank. Reports indicate that several protesters suffered injuries. In related developments, authorities blocked internet access nationwide during 0100-0900 local time (1830-0230 UTC).
On 14 February multiple demonstrations occurred in Yangon, including outside the U.S. Embassy and in the Bahan district. Additionally, the military junta suspended several laws until further notice that limit the ability of security forces to search homes and arrest individuals without warrants. During the previous day, in Yangon, several hundred youth protesters demonstrated in the area of Hledan Junction Skyway and approximately 200 nurses participated in a CDM protest outside the Yangon Public Hospital. Additional protests occurred in the Myay Ni Gone area and Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon.
