Security Notice

Security Notice, December 3, 2006

Police have confirmed that the Awami League’s nation-wide "siege" program has started again. Some inter/intra city bus, railway and river way transportation has left the stations but police are expecting that those will be stopped on the way for the siege. Chittagong port is functioning but no merchandise is moving in or out from the port. BNP and Awami League will have separate rallies and meetings throughout Dhaka. Awami League selected 32 city points in Dhaka where they will have stages for demonstration and rallies. During the siege, people from educational institutions and hajj pilgrims will not be stopped from coming to the airport. Areas of large public gatherings will be the Muktangan, Naya Paltan, Paltan Maidan, Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka University Area and Dania.   Be advised, some demonstrators will pass through the Diplomatic Enclave (including the Natun Bazar highway) to join demonstrations in front of the Lutfun Tower, Badda.

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 ban on street rallies, processions with oars sticks or any sort of weapons.

We recommend that American citizens avoid areas where large crowds are gathered, especially the Muktangan, Naya Paltan, Paltan Maidan, Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka University Area and Dania.

We also 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