‘Violence, crime, kidnapping:’ US issues travel advisory for Bangladesh amid unrest

The US on Friday (April 18) reinstated its travel advisory for Bangladesh, issuing a ‘Level 3: reconsider Travel’ alert for the entire country and a ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ warning for the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The US cited heightened risks of “violence, crime, and kidnapping” in Chittagong Hill area for its advisory. The Level 4 advisory covers the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban districts.

Regions rocked by communal tensions, violence

These regions have experienced serious security challenges in recent times. There have been multiple incidents of communal tensions, acts of terrorism, and politically motivated violence, such as the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and active shooter situations.

In addition, kidnappings have emerged as a growing concern. Some of these are related to personal disputes, while others appear to target individuals from religious minority communities, adding to the overall instability and risk in these areas.

State Dept employees banned from visiting

According to media reports, the US State Department employees are now banned from visiting these areas.

“Do not travel to these areas for any reason,” the advisory stated. It added that prior approval from Bangladesh’s home ministry was mandatory before travel to these areas.

The advisory also urges US citizens to reconsider travel to these areas due to civil unrest, crime, and terrorism.

Political violence has increased in Bangladesh under the watch of the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The advisory comes amidst continuing political instability in the country following the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina in August last year.

“US citizens are reminded to avoid all gatherings, even peaceful ones, since they could turn violent with little or no warning,” the advisory added.

Hindu leader killed in Bangladesh

The advisory also coincides with the brutal killing of a prominent Hindu leader in Dinajpur district in north Bangladesh.

The body of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, 58-year-old resident of Basudebpur village, was recovered on Thursday, according to Bangladeshi media. Roy was reportedly the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and a prominent leader of the Hindu community in the area.

Indian government on Friday slammed Bangladesh for “systematic persecution of Hindu minorities” under the interim government. A statement issued by the foreign ministry called on the Bangladesh authorities to protect all minorities in the country.

“We condemn this incident and once again remind the interim government to live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities, including Hindus, without inventing excuses or making distinctions,” the statement said.