Demonstration Notice

May 19, 2009

Police have informed the Embassy that the Bangladesh National Party (BNP) plans to hold a mass procession at 11:00 am today, May 19.  The demonstration will  begin at the BNP central headquarters in Naya Paltan and will move south past the Press Club and onward to the Muktangan where participants will hold a rally.

The Embassy recommends that all Americans avoid the Naya Paltan and Muktangan areas today, May 19.  The Embassy also recommends that American citizens avoid the Dhaka University, New Market, and Shabag neighborhoods, as demonstrations are common in these areas and can occur with little warning.

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