Dhaka: Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, the United States on Saturday reissued its travel advisory to the Asian country. The Donald Trump administration has kept a ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’ alert for Bangladesh.
However, the US issued a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ alert for several pockets of the Asian country, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to communal violence due to communal violence, terrorism, crime and other security risks.
“Since summer 2024, civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with potential for violent clashes,” the advisory read.
“US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, since they could turn violent with little or no warning,” it added.
“Kidnappings have occurred in the region, including those motivated by domestic or familial disputes, and those targeting members of religious minorities. Separatist organisations and political violence also pose additional threats to visitors to the region, and there have been instances of IED explosions and active shooting,” the US advisory about the Chittagong Hill Tracts read. Notably, Chittagong Hill Tracts include three districts – Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban.
US Travel Advisory:
Guidelines For US Citizens Travelling To Bangladesh:
– Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings; demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and quickly escalate into violence.
– Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust plans.
– Do not physically resist 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.
– Review the Country Security Report for Bangladesh.
– Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
– Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Please review the Traveler’s Checklist.
– The US administration highly recommend that its citizens should buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage.
– Visit ‘travel.state.gov’ website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
Bangladesh saw a massive student protest last year. This agitation led to the ouster of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Over thousands of protesters died in clashes with security personnel.
The interim government headed by Noble Laureate Muhammad Yunus took charge. After Yunus assumed the charge, the country witnessed incidents of violence against minorities.
