DEMONSTRATION NOTICE

Weekend Demonstration Notice: January 03, 2008

The U.S. Embassy has been closely monitoring peaceful demonstrations by ready-made garment workers in the Mirpur area.  Several thousand workers have been conducting a sit-in for the second day.  Leaders of the garment workers and the Chairman of the BGMEA are in negotiations over their demands. 

Police have expressed concern to the Embassy that should negotiations not come to an acceptable conclusion to both parties, the demonstrations may spread.  Police are advising to avoid the following areas throughout the weekend:

• Mirpur,
• Agargaon,
• Shawrapara,
• Tejgaon.

General Security Guidance:  All Americans are reminded to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning.  Please be alert and aware at all times and continue to vary routes and schedules.  Finally, all individuals are urged to carry their mobile phones with them at all times. 

General guidance for all emergencies is “GET IN, STAY IN, and TUNE IN”

English language local news is available on the following channels at the following times:
ATN – 1800
Bangla Vision – 2105
BTV – 2200
BTV – 2330 (also broadcasts by all local satellite stations:  ATN, Channel I, NTV, RTV, Bangla Vision, and Boishaki)

US Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh