'Reconsider travel': US revises advisory for Bangladesh citing civil unrest, crime and terrorism

The United States Department of State has reissued its travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging American citizens to reconsider travel citing concerns civil unrest, crime, and terrorism.The updated advisory, issued on April 18 (US time), retains a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' designation for most parts of the country. Meanwhile, the Chittagong Hill Tracts — which include the districts of Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban — remain under a 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' warning. The advisory cites continued risks of communal violence, terrorism, kidnappings, and political unrest in the region.While the frequency of large-scale clashes has declined, demonstrations and protests continue to occur across Bangladesh. The State Department cautioned that even peaceful events can quickly escalate into violence and advised travelers to avoid all political events and large public gatherings.Travel restrictions for US government personnelAccording to the advisory, US government employees in Bangladesh are subject to significant travel restrictions. Within Dhaka, their movements are largely confined to the diplomatic enclave unless specific authorization is granted. Travel outside of the capital will require a prior approval, with the exception of visits to Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet, which are considered relatively safer. The US Embassy also noted that its ability to assist American citizens in emergencies—particularly outside Dhaka—is hampered by infrastructure limitations and the availability of local emergency services.Precautionary measures for US travelersThe State Department urged American citizens who still choose to travel to Bangladesh to take several important precautions. Travelers are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive timely alerts and to ensure the US Embassy can locate them in case of an emergency.In the event of a robbery or attempted theft, travelers should not resist, prioritizing their safety above all else, stated the US government. Given the limitations in local healthcare infrastructure, Americans are also encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation.In addition, travelers have also been urged to thoroughly review the latest US Country Security Report as well as current health guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before departure.