Bangladesh travel advice

An Awami League MP was the target of a bombing attack on 21 October 2009, in which 13 people were injured. You are advised to stay away from large gatherings, and avoid political offices and rallies. The areas near Dhaka University Campus and other universities can be particularly dangerous during civil unrest and demonstrations; the period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tensions.

Visitors are advised against all travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include Chittagong City) because of the risk of being caught up in clashes between rival tribal groups, settlers and the military. Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which include the areas of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban has deteriorated in recent days, and violent clashes between rival ethnic groups have led to fatalities.

Avoid border areas in the Bramanbaria district due to occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, resulting in heavy fire.

On 11 January 2007, the president declared a state of emergency. The situation in has since calmed. However events in Bangladesh can move quickly. Travellers should keep themselves informed of developments, including by regularly checking travel advice and monitoring the news.

A curfew that affected the six main cities in Bangladesh (also known as the Divisional Towns, Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Barisal) from 22 August has now been lifted. The curfew had been declared in response to recent clashes in Dhaka between students of Dhaka University and College and the security authorities. The violence has now abated.

Those already in Bangladesh should ensure they are comfortable with and regularly review their own and their family's security and travel arrangements. Visitors should carry photocopies of their Bangladeshi visa and data page from their passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents, for identification purposes.

Local laws reflect the fact that Bangladesh is a predominantly Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. Same-sex relations are illegal.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Bangladesh. Terrorists have intensified the scale and frequency of their attacks against domestic targets in Bangladesh. These have resulted in a large number of fatalities and serious injuries. Further attacks are likely. Western interests or westerners could become the targets for attacks or kidnapping. Those planning to travel to Bangladesh should be careful about, and confident of, personal security arrangements throughout the visit.

Six members of the terrorist group Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who were sentenced to death have now been executed. Western interests or Western nationals could become the targets for retaliatory attacks or kidnapping.

Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone.

As a precaution against a recent outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Bangladesh, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel