The US Department of State on Wednesday issued a travel alert for the US citizens traveling to or living in Bangladesh “as pre-election periods in Bangladesh have seen unrest”.
“US citizens are urged to remain alert to local security developments and to be vigilant regarding their personal security by knowing the locations of police and fire stations, hospitals, and other places to relocate to feel secure,” according to the travel alert which will expires on January 7, 2014.
There have been no direct, targeted attacks on US citizens; however, in isolated instances, Westerners and US citizens have been caught in the middle of clashes and demonstrations or stranded when highways have been blocked, according to the US State Department.
“Historically, pre-election periods in Bangladesh have seen unrest involving supporters of the two major political parties. In 2013, the political dispute centers on disagreements regarding the structure for holding national elections scheduled for January 5,” it said.
The US Embassy in Dhaka is closely monitoring this situation and activity throughout Bangladesh.
US citizens are advised to be aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment in the coming weeks.
Source: UNB Connect