The United States has issued a travel advisory for Bangladesh, cautioning its citizens to be extremely careful while visiting some parts of the country because of heightened security threats. The latest advisory released on April 18, comprised a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” and a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warnings for some areas in Bangladesh. The US State Department specifically warned against going to the Chittagong Hill Tracts area, which covers the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban districts. The region has experienced an increase in security threats, which led the US government to issue a clear “Do Not Travel” warning to citizens.
What travelers should know
For those intending to visit Bangladesh, the US government suggests a number of precautions:
- Avoid demonstrations: Avoid participation in political gatherings as well as demonstrations, which, while intended to be peaceful, can quickly escalate into violent confrontations.
- Monitor local news: Monitor local news and be prepared to modify travel plans accordingly.
- Be cautious of crime: Travelers should be vigilant of minor/petty crime, including pickpocketing in crowded areas. In case of a robbery, the advisory advises against physical resistance—seek safety and report the incident to local authorities.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): US citizens are encouraged to enroll in STEP to receive important alerts and updates, including consular services and emergency assistance.
- Travel insurance: The advisory strongly recommends purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and other emergencies.
Reasons behind the travel warning
The advisory cited communal violence, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security concerns as major causes for the warning. It highlighted the Chittagong Hill Tracts as areas of high concern, noting a continuing risk of terrorist violence.
The advisory states, “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.” However, it also emphasised that the situation may change overnight and encouraged tourists to remain vigilant and shun all gatherings, even initially peaceful ones, as they can become violent at short notice.
The advisory further noted the prevalent occurrence of muggings, burglaries, assaults, and illicit drug sales in large cities, though it reassured that no evidence suggested that foreigners were specifically targeted on a nationality basis.
Limited emergency services
The US government warned that the effectiveness of its role in helping citizens in emergencies, especially outside Dhaka, is hampered by continued security concerns, a shortage of infrastructure, and the limited availability of emergency response facilities from the host government. It also warned US government employees against non-essential travel in Dhaka beyond the diplomatic enclave.