‘Do Not Travel!’, US urges citizens not to travel to Bangladesh amid political unrest

The United States on Tuesday advised its citizens against travelling to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism following the resignation and escape of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The US State Department raised its travel advisory to the highest level, 'Level 4: Do Not Travel,' and recommended the departure of non-emergency US government personnel and their families.

More than 100 people have died in the widespread violence that erupted across Bangladesh after Hasina stepped down and fled the country on Monday, despite early indications of a return to normalcy.

“On August 5, 2024, the Department ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees and family members. Travellers should not travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka,” the State Department said in its advisory.

“Violent clashes have occurred in the city of Dhaka, its neighbouring areas, and throughout Bangladesh, and the Bangladesh Army is deployed nationwide. Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport temporarily paused operations on August 5. Travellers should check with their airlines to confirm the status for future flights,” the travel advisory added.

The advisory warned travellers to be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded areas, noting that crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking are common in Bangladesh's major cities.

However, there is no evidence to suggest that foreigners are being targeted due to their nationality. These crimes are often dependent on the time and location.

The advisory also mentions that terrorist attacks can occur without warning, with terrorists potentially targeting public spaces such as tourist sites, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, schools, and government buildings.

“Because of security concerns, US Embassy personnel in Bangladesh are subject to some movement and travel restrictions. The US government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources,” it added.
 

(With PTI inputs)