US Advises Its Citizens Against Travel To Bangladesh Amid Civil Unrest

The United States has advised its citizens against travelling to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest. The U.S. Department of State has also allowed the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and their families.

This advisory follows recent violent protests in Bangladesh over government job allocations.

Photo Credit: PTI

Authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a strict curfew nationwide, with military personnel patrolling parts of Dhaka to prevent further violence. These measures come after days of clashes that resulted in over 40 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The U.S. State Department has raised the Travel Advisory Level for Bangladesh to Level 4, indicating 'Do Not Travel'.

U.S. Issues New Travel Advisory

"Do not travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism," stated the U.S. State Department. The advisory also mentioned that non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families could leave voluntarily. The Bangladeshi government has declared a curfew across the country, instructing everyone to stay indoors while deploying the army to support police efforts.

Telecommunications have been disrupted in Dhaka and other parts of the country, affecting routine consular services. The advisory highlighted that crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking are prevalent in major cities but do not specifically target foreigners based on nationality.

Security Concerns and Recommendations

The advisory warned that attacks could occur without warning, targeting public areas like tourist spots, transportation hubs, markets, restaurants, places of worship, schools, and government facilities. Due to security concerns, U.S. Embassy personnel in Bangladesh face movement and travel restrictions.

The U.S. government may have limited ability to provide emergency services due to these restrictions and a lack of infrastructure and host government resources. Americans are advised to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, monitor local media for updates, and be ready to change plans if they decide to travel.

"Do not physically resist any robbery attempt," the State Department recommended. "Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities." They also urged U.S. nationals to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program for alerts on consular services.

The situation remains tense as both local authorities and international bodies monitor developments closely. With heightened security measures in place, residents are urged to comply with curfews and stay informed through reliable sources.