The United States has renewed a stringent travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the South Asian nation due to persistent risks of civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. The updated advisory, issued by the U.S. Department of State, designates Bangladesh as a Level 3 – “Reconsider Travel” destination, while placing a more severe Level 4 – “Do Not Travel” warning on the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
Chittagong Hill Tracts Deemed Highly Dangerous
The advisory singles out the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts as particularly hazardous. The region has seen a rise in communal violence, kidnappings, separatist activity, and terrorist incidents in recent months.
“Do not travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts due to communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks,” the advisory warned. Reports of improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, targeted shootings, and religiously motivated violence have contributed to the heightened threat level.
Political Instability and Civil Unrest Persist
The advisory follows months of political upheaval in Bangladesh, culminating in the August 2024 ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid a student-led protest movement that turned violent. Over 1,000 people were reportedly killed, and attacks on religious minorities, particularly Hindus, surged in the aftermath.
While an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has restored a measure of stability, the U.S. warns that the situation remains fragile.
“Since summer 2024, civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided,” the advisory noted. “However, occasional protests continue, and they carry the potential for sudden and violent outbreaks.”
Heightened Security Concerns in Major Cities
Beyond the Hill Tracts, the U.S. State Department cited ongoing threats in urban centers such as Dhaka, where risks include terrorist activity, muggings, assaults, and drug trafficking.
Due to security concerns, non-essential travel of U.S. government personnel is restricted outside the diplomatic enclave in Dhaka. Any travel beyond the capital requires special authorization. The U.S. government also acknowledged its limited ability to provide emergency services outside Dhaka, owing to infrastructure and response challenges.
Precautionary Measures for Travelers
For U.S. citizens who still opt to travel to Bangladesh, the State Department recommends the following:
- Avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings, as they may turn violent without warning.
- Monitor local media closely and adjust travel plans as needed.
- Do not resist robbery attempts; prioritize personal safety and report incidents afterward.
- Enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time alerts and emergency tracking.
- Consult the Country Security Report for Bangladesh and visit the CDC’s travel health page for updated health advisories.
- Develop a personal emergency contingency plan, and consider purchasing travel insurance with evacuation and medical coverage.
The advisory reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. to safeguard its citizens abroad amid shifting geopolitical and domestic conditions in Bangladesh.
For the full travel advisory, visit: travel.state.gov
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