The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a fresh security alert for American citizens residing in Bangladesh, urging them to exercise extreme caution amid ongoing protests and civil unrest.
The advisory was issued on August 12 in the wake of the resignation and exodus of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from the country, leading to unrest in Bangladesh.
“US citizens should exercise caution and consider returning to the United States. Avoid demonstrations and exercise caution around any large gatherings,” the embassy said in its alert.
The embassy also recommended reviewing personal security plans, remaining aware of local events, and monitoring local news stations for updates.
This latest alert comes after the US State Department’s decision in July to raise the travel advisory for Bangladesh to $2 million. Highest ‘Level 4: Do not travel’ Category amid deadly student-led protests.
The State Department also recommended that non-emergency US government employees and their families should leave the country, citing ongoing civil unrest, crime and terrorism in the country.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile. More than 500 people have been killed so far in the violence that began with anti-reservation protests by students and has turned into a large-scale rebellion against the Sheikh Hasina government.
In the wake of Hasina’s escape and widespread unrest, the Bangladeshi army was deployed across the country and a caretaker government took charge. Normalcy is slowly returning, with police personnel returning to their posts after a month on Monday. The law and order situation deteriorated due to the week-long strike In the capital Dhaka.
The officials, who faced widespread condemnation for their role in a deadly crackdown on protests that led to Hasina’s downfall, agreed to return to work only after late-night talks with the new interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
(with inputs from agencies)