United States Department of State has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to remain vigilant while in Bangladesh, citing risks associated with political programmes, theft, mugging, pickpocketing, and other criminal activity.
The advisory was released on Sunday (20 April).
The directive cautioned that although demonstrations and political gatherings in Bangladesh may appear peaceful at first glance, they possess the potential to escalate into unrest without warning.
American nationals were specifically warned about the prevalence of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Further, the advisory discouraged travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes have been reported.
Travellers were urged to avoid the area due to heightened security concerns.
Department of State also noted an increased risk of minor crimes such as pickpocketing across Bangladesh, as well as armed robbery, drug trafficking, and snatching incidents in major urban centres.
However, it clarified that there is no specific indication of foreign nationals being deliberately targeted.
Terrorism-related threats were also addressed in the guidance.
As a precaution, US government personnel stationed in Bangladesh have been instructed to avoid unnecessary travel outside the secured diplomatic zone in Dhaka.
Any travel beyond the capital now requires prior authorisation, although visits to Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet remain exempt from this restriction.
The advisory forms part of the United States’ ongoing assessment of global travel conditions and aims to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
