US issues stricter travel advisory for Bangladesh citing civil unrest, terrorism

The United States in its latest advisory to US citizens has urged them to reconsider travelling to Bangladesh citing issues including civil unrest and terrorism.

“Reconsider travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk,” states the travel advisory issued by the US Department of State.

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'Risk of terrorist violence'

Pointing out that although civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided since the summer of 2024 with the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh, the advisory says that there have been occasional protests with the potential to turn violent.

“In addition, crimes such as muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illegal drug trafficking constitute most criminal activity in Bangladesh’s major cities, but there are no indications foreigners are targeted because of their nationality. These crimes tend to be situational, based on time and location,” states the advisory.

However, it points out that there is a risk of terrorist violence in Bangladesh. “There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Bangladesh,” states the advisory.

Ban for federal staff

The US government has also prohibited its employees in Bangladesh from “non-essential travel within Dhaka outside of the diplomatic enclave.”

“Due to the risks, US government employees working in Bangladesh must obtain special authorisation to travel outside of Dhaka. Authorisation is not required for travel to Cox’s Bazar or Sylhet,” states the advisory.

In a note of caution, the advisory states that the “US government may have limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh, particularly outside of Dhaka, due to these travel restrictions, a lack of infrastructure, and limited host government emergency response resources.”

Also read: 'Focus on your minorities': India slams Bangladesh's remark on Bengal violence

Urged to reconsider travel

Bangladesh is currently placed under the ‘Level 3’ category urging US citizens to reconsider their travel. Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts are placed under the ‘Level 4' category with a “Do Not Travel” warning.

Bangladesh witnessed a massive violent uprising mainly students last year which ultimately led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. Following her ouster, several incidents of alleged attacks on minority communities have been reported in Bangladesh.

An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now runs Bangladesh as the country awaits its next election. The relationship between India and Bangladesh had nosedived following Hasina’s decision to flee to India.