Washington: On Tuesday, the United States upgraded its travel warning for Bangladesh to the highest level, urging citizens to avoid all travel to the country due to severe civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. The travel advisory was raised to 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' by the U.S. State Department, which has also recommended that non-essential U.S. government employees and their families leave Bangladesh immediately.
The advisory follows a wave of violence in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday. Over 100 people have died in the ensuing chaos, although there are signs of a gradual return to normalcy.
The U.S. State Department’s advisory, issued on August 5, 2024, notes that "Violent clashes have erupted in Dhaka, surrounding areas, and across Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Army has been deployed nationwide. Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport temporarily halted operations on August 5. Travelers are advised to check with airlines for the status of future flights."
The advisory highlights that petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, are prevalent in crowded areas. More serious crimes, including muggings, burglaries, assaults, and drug trafficking, occur in major cities but are generally not targeted at foreigners specifically. These incidents are often situational and depend on the time and location.
Additionally, the advisory warns that terrorist attacks can occur with little to no notice. Such attacks might target public spaces, including tourist spots, transport hubs, markets, restaurants, religious sites, schools, and government buildings.
Due to the current security situation, U.S. Embassy staff in Bangladesh face movement and travel restrictions. Consequently, the U.S. government may have limited ability to offer emergency services to American citizens in the country, owing to these restrictions, infrastructure challenges, and limited local emergency response capabilities.
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