The US Embassy in Dhaka issued a comprehensive security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh, warning of potential political instability as the country nears its national elections.

In a notification released on Friday, the Embassy urged citizens to maintain high levels of vigilance and exercise extreme caution, particularly in areas where large crowds or political activities are expected.

The alert specifically advises US personnel and citizens to avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings, noting that even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence without warning.

With the 13th National Parliament Election 2026 and a landmark constitutional referendum on the "July Charter" both scheduled for February 12, the Embassy cautioned that political rallies, polling stations, and religious sites could become targets for violence or extremist attacks during this period.

In addition to personal safety measures, the Embassy encouraged Americans to monitor local media for real-time updates on traffic disruptions and security developments.

The advisory comes at a time of heightened political activity across the nation, as the interim government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus prepares for the first general election since the mass uprising of 2024.

US citizens are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the latest security messages and to ensure they can be located in the event of an emergency.