Demonstration Notice

July 26, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to demonstrations by garment workers at the Gulshan 2 area near the Westin Hotel.  Police advised they have control, but asked all personnel to avoid travel to the area for the rest of the night.  The U.S. Embassy advises all guests of the Westin to shelter in place for the evening.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Dhaka from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Registration forms and instructions are available on the Embassy's website at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov. By registering with the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212. The direct phone number for American Citizen Services (ACS) is (880-2) 882-3805, and our fax number is (880-2) 882-4449. In the case of an emergency, you may contact us after-hours, on weekends and on holidays at (880-2) 885-5500; press “0” and ask for the Duty Officer.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Please monitor the local media for updates.  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)

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh