US updates travel warning for its citizens in Bangladesh

The US Department of State has warned the US citizens of continuing threats from “terrorist groups” in Bangladesh and asked them to consider the risks of travel to and throughout the country.

It updated the travel warning to reflect the change in the US Embassy in Dhaka’s status to “partially accompanied”, effective from August 24 allowing all spouses, partners of the US government personnel to remain in or return to Dhaka.

Previously, only adult family members employed by the US government were permitted to remain or return to Dhaka.

The US Embassy, it said, remains open and will provide all consular services.

In October 2016, IS threatened to target “expats, tourists, diplomats, garment buyers, missionaries, and sports teams” in the most “secured zones” in Bangladesh.

Recurring threats and periodic terrorist activities prompted the Embassy to require US government personnel in Bangladesh to live, work, and travel under strict security guidelines.

US government officials and their adult family members are not permitted to travel on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, rickshaw, or other uncovered means on public thoroughfares and sidewalks in Bangladesh.

In addition, the travel alert said US government officials and their family members remain severely restricted in their ability to visit public establishments and places or to attend large gatherings in Bangladesh.

The US citizens should take stringent security measures, remain vigilant, and be alert to local security developments, it said.