US Issues Advisory Amid Rising Unrest, Crime, and Terror Threats in Bangladesh

Washington (The Uttam Hindu)- Keeping in mind the safety of its citizens, the US has again issued an advisory for travel to Bangladesh. It said that due to unrest, crime and terrorism, reconsider traveling to Bangladesh. The US travel advisory urged citizens not to travel to Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping and other security risks.

The advisory said, "There have been incidents of kidnappings in the region, including kidnappings motivated by domestic or family disputes and kidnappings targeting religious minorities. Separatist organizations and political violence also pose additional threats to tourists visiting the region, with incidents of IED explosions and active gunfire." It further said that if you plan to travel to these areas, you must obtain prior permission from the Public Safety Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. Due to the risks, US government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from traveling to the region. According to the advisory, US government employees working in Bangladesh are prohibited from non-essential travel outside the diplomatic zone of Dhaka due to the risks.

In addition, US government employees working in Bangladesh will have to obtain special permission to travel outside Dhaka. These travel restrictions, lack of infrastructure, and the host government's lack of emergency response resources may limit the US government's ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh, [particularly outside Dhaka], the advisory said. Urging US citizens to avoid demonstrations and political gatherings, the advisory said peaceful demonstrations could turn confrontational and violent. "Travelers should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded areas. In addition, robbery, theft, assaults, and illicit drug trafficking are among the most common criminal activities in major Bangladeshi cities," the advisory said.