Demonstration Notice

May 14, 2009

Police have informed the Embassy that the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) is planning a demonstration for May 14^th  , 2009. The protest will start in Jatrabari at 1100 and begin moving Northwest through the following areas: Jatrabari – Ittefaque Square – Shapla Square – Dainik Bangla Square – Press Club – High Court Square – Engineers Institution Square – Sonargaon Hotel Square – Firm gate/Tejgaon College Square – Manik Mia Avenue – Asad gate – Kolyanpur – Darus Salam - Gabtoli. 

Police have also confirmed that the BNP will be holding a rally after the demonstration.  The rally will start at the BNP central headquarters located in Naya Paltan.  The protestors will move south to the Press Club and then on to the Muktangan where the demonstrators are expected to give speeches. 
Additionally, Police have informed the Embassy that a vigil in remembrance of the Prime Minister’s late husband will be held at her official residence (near the Hotel Sheraton) today, May 14^th  at 1600.
Embassy personnel remain restricted to the diplomatic enclave until the end of the day today, May 14th.  We remind all Americans to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka.  Please be alert and aware at all times and vary routes and schedules.  We encourage all American Citizens to carry their mobile phones with them 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