UK alerts its citizens staying in Bangladesh

United Kingdom (UK) has made its citizens alert staying in Bangladesh just after one day of holding eleventh national parliament election. The alert was given in a notice of UK government website. The notice is mentioned here:

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. This does not include the city of Chittagong or other parts of Chittagong Division.

Visas on arrival are usually for a period of 1 month, but as of 24 December we’ve received some reports that shorter visas have been issued to some tourists. You should be aware that overstaying your visa could risk the imposition of penalty fines for overstaying.

Voting for the Bangladesh National Elections took place on 30 December 2018. During the elections campaigning period there were reports of violence and the use of improvised explosive devices in politically motivated attacks. There were also reports of violence on election day. Political rallies with the potential for disorder, or clashes between groups and with law enforcement agencies, may still take place. You’re advised to avoid large gatherings and political rallies.

As a result of ongoing violence in Burma since August 2017, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees have arrived in the south-east of Bangladesh, close to the border with Burma. They’re concentrated in the sub-districts of Ukhia and Teknaf in the southern part of Cox’s Bazar district. The Bangladeshi authorities regulate access to the areas where the Rohingya are accommodated.

You should exercise caution and consult the local authorities about the latest situation before visiting Ukhia and Teknaf. You may need to meet access requirements. We encourage all humanitarian assistance to be coordinated through recognized humanitarian agencies registered with the Bangladeshi authorities.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. The threat extends across the country. The last terrorist attack was the murder of Shahzahan Bachchu on 11 June 2018 when he was attacked and killed in the Munshiganj area of Dhaka Division but there is a risk that future attacks could target public gatherings. There is also the risk that foreign nationals could be directly targeted in future attacks.

The Bangladeshi authorities have successfully disrupted a number of planned attacks and remain at high alert; there may be increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice. Crowded areas and places where foreign nationals are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack. You should minimize your exposure to these areas, consider your movements carefully and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities.

Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) has claimed responsibility for a number of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh since September 2015.

Groups affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent (AQIS) are also active.

Tropical cyclones and flooding can affect parts of the country. You should monitor the progress of approaching weather systems on the website of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and follow the advice of local authorities.

Bangladesh lies in a zone of seismic activity. In the event of an earthquake you should remain vigilant, stay in a place of safety and follow any advice provided by the local authorities.

Up to 150,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. Most visits are trouble free.

AH