State Department Issues Travel Warning for Bangladesh Amid Continued Civil Strife
During clashes between protesters and the Bangladeshi military, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed left the country.
The U.S. Department of State has updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh to “Level 4: Do Not Travel” due to a political crisis in the country.
The travel advisory was issued as Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed resigned from her position and fled the country on Monday. Her resignation came after weeks of protests against the government, including violent incidents related to a quota system for government jobs. Hasina was elected for her fourth term in January.
General Waker-uz-Zaman, the chief of Bangladesh’s Army Staff, has announced an interim government and pledged to investigate the violent clashes between protesters and the Bangladeshi military.
“Travelers should avoid travel to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka. Violent clashes have taken place in the city of Dhaka, its surrounding areas, and across Bangladesh, with the Bangladeshi Army being deployed nationwide,” states the advisory issued on August 5, linking to Bangladesh’s capital city.
“Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka temporarily suspended operations on August 5. Travelers should verify their flight status with their airlines for future flights.”
The department cautioned that terrorist attacks could occur at any time with little or no warning, targeting tourist spots and public areas such as transportation hubs, government facilities, and markets.
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The State Department has instructed the evacuation of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their family members. Embassy staff have faced movement and travel constraints due to security issues.
“The U.S. government’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Bangladesh may be limited due to travel restrictions, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate host government emergency response resources,” the department stated.
The advisory highlighted incidents of communal violence, kidnapping, and other security threats in the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts, collectively known as the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Some of these crimes have targeted members of religious minorities.
Americans planning to visit Bangladesh are advised to stay away from political gatherings and protests. U.S. citizens were recommended to stay informed through local media for updates on current events and make necessary adjustments to their plans.
Embassy Warning
The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh also issued an advisory, urging U.S. citizens already in the country to seek shelter in a secure location and consider returning to the United States once it is safe to do so. It warned that further violence related to the government transition could occur.
“Review personal security plans, be mindful of your surroundings, including local events, and keep an eye on local news for updates. Phone service, SMS, and internet have experienced frequent interruptions in recent times,” the advisory advised.
Although local travel agencies and ticket offices may be open, purchasing tickets online might be more convenient, the agency suggested. Consular services at the embassy have been suspended from August 5 to 7, with limited operations available. Embassy staff are currently in a sheltered location.
“We have observed the announcement of Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation and departure from Bangladesh. We are closely monitoring the situation and urge all parties to refrain from further violence. We call for calm and restraint in the days ahead,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller’s statement on the social media platform X.
