Security Notice

Security Notice, November 9, 2006

WEEKEND DEMONSTRATIONS:

Friday, November 10, 2006

Police sources have confirmed that the Islami Constitutional Movement will hold a demonstration at 1500 hours at the north gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque to protest the death sentence of Saddam Hussein.

In addition, Hizbut Tahrir Bangladesh will hold a demonstration at 1500 hours at the south gate of Baitul Mukarram Mosque to protest recent political violence.

November 12, 2006

The Awami League has announced that they intend to resume their demonstrations in the streets across the country if their demands are not met. They have stated that they will disrupt all highway, railway and river way traffic across the country; shutting down the ports in Chittagong and Khulna. The BNP has stated that if the Awami League resumes their demonstrations, BNP activists will meet them in the streets. Police sources have indicated that the BNP has stockpiled wooden sticks in anticipation of this scenario.

Police are expecting widespread violent demonstrations across the country. In Dhaka, the epicenter of the violence is expected to be the downtown area at the Paltan Maidan and the Muktangan. All entry points to the city (Jatrabari, Gabtoli, and Tongi) will experience violent protests, as well as certain key locations throughout the city (Uttara, Mohakhali, Farmgate, Malibagh, Rampura, and Motijheel).

There is a possibility that the Awami League may decide that steps taken by the caretaker government are sufficient to allow more time to meet their remaining demands. If so, the potential for widespread violence is greatly diminished.

We recommend you restrict your travel on November 12, 2006 and avoid the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and the Muktangan area between the hours of 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Fridays.

General Security Guidance:

In addition, all American citizens are reminded to exercise vigilance when traveling in Bangladesh as demonstrations often occur unexpectedly. Please be alert and aware at all times and continue to vary routines, routes and schedules. It is also a sensible precaution to carry your mobile phone with you at all times.

General crisis guidance for all emergencies is "GET IN, STAY IN, and TUNE IN." You should know local radio and TV channels that broadcast information in English and be fully aware of how to use the SMS feature on the cell phone.

English language news is available on the following channels at the following times:

ATN – 18:00
Bangla Vision – 21:05
BTV – 22:00
BTV – 23:30 (also broadcast by all local Satellite stations: ATN, Channel I, NTV, RTV, Banglavision Channel 1, Boishaki)

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh