US issues travel alert for Bangladesh

The US State Department has issued ‘travel alert’ for its citizens living in and travelling to Bangladesh ahead of the Jan 5 general elections.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 4 Dec 2013, 06:01 PM
Updated : 4 Dec 2013, 06:40 PM

The alert issued on Dec 3 from Washington will remain effective until Jan 7.

“US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments, carry identification, and to be vigilant regarding their personal security,” read the advisory.

It also advised its citizens to know the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and other places to relocate to maintain their personal security.

“There have been no direct, targeted attacks on US citizens; however, in isolated instances, Westerners and US citizens have been caught in the middle of clashes and demonstrations or stranded when highways have been blocked.

“The US Embassy in Dhaka is closely monitoring this situation and activity throughout Bangladesh,” it said.

The alert came in the wake of the violent political situation centering the elections that the major opposition BNP is boycotting.

It has launched an anti-government movement with shutdown and blockades that has left scores dead and many injured.

The State Department said “historically, pre-election periods in Bangladesh have seen unrest involving supporters of the two major political parties”.

“In Bangladesh, a common method for political parties and other organisations to articulate their political demands is by calling for a hartal (general strike).

“Hartals, the purpose of which is to disrupt or shut down services either locally or throughout the country, can turn violent if the population or political groups enforce the shutdown.

“In November, for example, there were hartals or blockades covering a total of ten days.

“Even demonstrations that are meant to be peaceful can become violent and unpredictable,” read the advisory.

It said the demonstrations often resulted in clashes between police and protesters, leading to deaths and injuries to both protesters and police, and extensive property damage.

“In various areas of the country, demonstrators have blocked highways and roads to all traffic and have damaged rail tracks and trains.

“Participants have thrown rocks, debris, and petrol bombs, and there are reports of the use of firearms and homemade, low-yield explosives.

“Security forces have used tear gas, non-lethal crowd control measures, and lethal force against demonstrators.”

The State Department also urged American citizens to follow and monitor the embassy’s website for updates.

It also advised them “to be aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment in the coming weeks”.

“Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the US Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment”.

“US citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment.”

It also encouraged its citizens in Bangladesh to enrol in the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)” for getting regular updates.