Bangladesh – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory Issued June 1, 2018

Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime and terrorism.

Reconsider travel to:

• Dhaka due to crime and terrorism.
• Southeast Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, due to crime and terrorism.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, and rape, is widespread.

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bangladesh. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, and local government facilities. There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas despite the heavy police presence. 

Only adult spouses and/or partners are permitted to accompany U.S. government employees assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh. U.S. government personnel in Bangladesh live, work, and travel under strict security guidelines and are prohibited from:

• Traveling on foot (walking, running) and biking outside of designated areas and times;
• Traveling via motorcycle, rickshaw, or compressed natural gas autorickshaw (CNG) on public thoroughfares and sidewalks in Bangladesh;
• Visiting most public establishments; and
• Attending large gatherings, including events at international hotels, in Bangladesh without prior permission.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page. 

If you decide to travel to Bangladesh:

• Avoid all demonstrations or political gatherings.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.  Flee to a safe area and report the situation to the local authorities.
• Do not travel on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, rickshaw, compressed natural gas autorickshaw (CNG), or other uncovered means.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)  Crime and Safety Report for Bangladesh.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Dhaka

Dhaka’s crime rate is high, and crime increases dramatically at night.  Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic, conducted by individuals or groups, and commonly includes fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, rape, assault, and burglary.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Southeast Bangladesh

Travel is dangerous to the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts (collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts) due to kidnappings and other security incidents. Political demonstrations, blockades, and violent clashes have occurred and are likely to continue.  Prior approval from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs Office of Public Safety is required if you plan to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. 

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/bangladesh-travel-advisory.html
Originally Published: June 1, 2018