The United States on Thursday (Apr 11) urged its citizens to exercise increased caution while travelling to Bangladesh in general, but reconsider travelling to Dhaka and southeastern parts of the country.
Of the five-level travel from one to five in the increasing sequence of threat, the State Department in its updates travel advisory has put Bangladesh in Level Two category. But it put Dhaka and Southeastern parts of the country in Level 3.
“Exercise increased caution in Bangladesh due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Reconsider Travel to: Dhaka due to crime and terrorism. Southeast Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, due to crime, terrorism, and kidnapping,” the State Department said.
Putting travel to Dhaka in Level 3 category, the State Department said the Capital’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, it said.
Similarly travel to Southeastern Bangladesh 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, it said.
“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,” the advisory said.
In general, the State Department said violent crime, such as armed robbery, assault, and rape, is widespread.
“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Bangladesh,” it said. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, and local government facilities, it added.
“There is a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas despite the heavy police presence,” the travel advisory said.
