Security Notice

Weekend Security Noticefor April 13-15, 2007

This weekend, Sat April 14 brings in the Bengali and Nepalese 1414 New Year (Pahela Baishakh).

Celebrations will take place throughout the country, with festivities in the capital centered around Dhaka University, Ramna Park, Central Shahid Minar, Dhanmondi, and Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. The celebrations are likely to last the entire day. Other smaller events are also taking place all over the city including the park in Baridhara opposite the BHC main gate. Police have stated us that due to the celebrations, traffic throughout the city is expected to be heavy.

Past celebrations of the Bengali New Year have been targets of violent attacks. Although there are no specific threats to Americans, the political situation in Dhaka remains fluid and police suggest remaining vigilant and avoiding any large gatherings.

The Embassy advises that all American citizens avoid areas where large crowds are gathered, especially the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque and the Muktangan area between the hours of 12:00 hr and 6:00 hr on Fridays.

We recommend that American citizens continue to 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