Travel Securely Securely Travel
On Sunday, 01 April, Australian government reiterated their travel advisory re Bangladesh.
Bottom line, reconsider your need to travel to Bangladesh.
Begin excerpt re Bangladesh:
- Reconsider your need to travel to Bangladesh due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the uncertain security situation.
- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility in Dhaka in July 2016 which resulted in the death of two police officers and 20 hostages. Most of the hostages were foreigners.
- Since September 2015, there have been several other fatal attacks in Bangladesh claimed by ISIL and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Foreigners, religious minorities, human rights and LGBTI activists and bloggers have been among those killed.
- Local security authorities are on high alert and regularly arrest individuals alleged to be planning attacks. There are several security checkpoints around Dhaka, particularly in the expatriate and diplomatic areas. Carry a copy of your passport, especially when travelling at night.
- Australian officials in Bangladesh avoid high-profile shops frequented by foreigners and travel only by motor vehicle. Security at the Australian High Commission in Dhaka has been strengthened and is under constant review. Take similar precautions.
- Take official warnings seriously. Be alert to possible threats. Have robust security plans in place. Plan your activities to avoid places known to be possible terrorist targets. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Political violence occurs regularly in Bangladesh. Avoid demonstrations and other public gatherings as they can turn violent. Hartals (general strikes), blockades by political groups and trials of alleged war criminals can also prompt political violence. In the lead up to national elections in late 2018, the Government of Bangladesh will continue to increase its security presence throughout Dhaka. Disruption to traffic and public transport in the vicinity of the Australian High Commission is possible.
- Criminal violence and armed robberies are common in Bangladesh, including in the Banani, Baridhara and Gulshan areas of Dhaka.
- The Chittagong Hill Tracts region is particularly prone to violence and kidnapping. If you travel there, take appropriate personal security measures and make contingency plans.
- During the monsoon season (June to September) and cyclone season (May to June and October to November) flooding and landslides can occur with little warning. Monitor weather forecasts and local media reports. Plan accordingly.
