‘Civil unrest, crime, terrorism’: In reissued advisory, US urges citizens to reconsider travel plans to Bangladesh | World News
The United States on Friday reissued its travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging citizens to reconsider their travel plans to the South Asian country amid “civil unrest, crime, and terrorism”.
It also said travel should be avoided to Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts dricts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts), citing communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and related security risks.
“Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” the advisory the US State Department read.
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This comes amid the escalating law and order situation in Bangladesh after months of communal violence that began in the month of July last year. Communal clashes against the government led then Prime Miner Sheikh Hasina to resign and fleeDhaka, toppling her Awami League’s 16-year regime. At least 300 people were reported to be dead amid the agitation. This was followed the formation of an interim government in the country, with Mohammad Yunus as its interim chief advisor.
To those travelling to the Chittagong Hill tracts, the department said: “Prior approval from the Government of Bangladesh’s Minry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to these areas. Due to the risks, US government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from traveling to the region. Do not travel to these areas for any reason.”
The US has also warned of changing conditions in Bangladesh, thus, asking the citizens to avoid all kinds of demonstrations and political gatherings, “even peaceful ones, since they could turn violent with little or no warning.” It also urged them to closely monitor local media for latest events and be prepared to adjust plans.
Travellers should be aware of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas, the advisory stated. Crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute the majority of criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are being targeted because of their nationality.Story continues below this ad
On US govt employees in Bangladesh
The advisory also entailed guidelines for US government employees working in Bangladesh, prohibiting them from non-essential travel within Dhaka outside of the diplomatic enclave.
They are also required to “obtain special authorization to travel outside of Dhaka. Authorization is not required for travel to Cox’s Bazar or Sylhet,” it stated.
Underlining the risk of terror violence, the US government said that they “may have limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka,” while citing “travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.”
“Do not physically res any robbery attempt. Get to a safe area and report any criminal incident to local authorities. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts including updates on consular services and so it is easier to locate you in an emergency,” the State Department highlighted. In addition, it recommended travellers to the country to purchase insurance.
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