Security Notice

Security Notice, November 22, 2006

Vehicle traffic continues to increase across the city, but remains at a lower volume than normal. All highway, railway and river way traffic across the country is still shut down. Processing of merchandise at the ports in Chittagong and Khulna continues, but the movement of merchandise in and out of the ports is still suspended due to the blockade.

As of this morning, there is no violence in the streets downtown. However, the police are not sure if the situation will remain calm as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led four-party alliance will hold a rally at the Muktangan today and stage demonstrations at the district level across the country as part of its program protesting 'destructive activities' of the Awami League. Areas of large public gatherings will be at the Muktangan, Naya Paltan, Paltan Maidan, Bangabandhu Avenue, Russel Square, Zero Point, Gabtoli, Shymoli, Sukrabad, Jatrabari and the Dhaka University Area. 

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 and at the Muktangan. Although there is no violence right now, the situation remains fluid and the potential for altercations is high.

The situation remains volatile. Embassy personnel are restricted to travel in the Diplomatic Enclave until further notice.

We recommend that American citizens limit their movements accordingly and 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