Security Notice

Security Notice, November 20, 2006

The Awami League’s nationwide "siege" program has started. All highway, railway and river way traffic across the country is shut down; The Chittagong port is functioning but no merchandise is moving in or out from the port. The Bangladesh National Party and Awami League will have separate rallies and meetings throughout Dhaka. Areas of large public gatherings will be the Muktangan, Naya Paltan, Paltan Maidan, Bangabandhu Avenue and Dhaka University Area. 

Although there is no violence right now, the situation remains fluid and the potential for violence can flare up at any moment.  All entry points to the city (Jatrabari, Gabtoli, and Tongi) may experience protests, as well as certain key locations throughout the city (Uttara, Mohakhali, Farmgate, Malibagh, Rampura, Motijheel and Mirpur).

Dhaka Metropolitan Police has imposed a ban on street rallies, processions with oars, sticks or any sort of weapons.

Because of the threat of widespread civil unrest, Embassy personnel are restricted to travel in the Diplomatic Enclave on November 20, 2006.

We also recommend that American citizens limit their movements accordingly and monitor announcements that are published in the local press or announced in the local media.

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

ATN – 18:00
Banglavision – 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