Warden Message

April 13, 2009

Tomorrow, April 14^th, will be the date for "Pohela Boishakh,” the Bengali New Year.  Like the first of January in the United States, the Bengali New Year’s Day is greeted with great joy and merriment.  Beginning at sunrise, people gather to welcome the New Year.  Song sessions, poetry recitals, and fairs in the street are the traditional highlights of the day.  Occasionally, fireworks are also used.

Considering the history of Bengali New Year celebrations (including a deadly bomb attack in 2001) and the current security situation, the Government of Bangladesh has decided to increase security measures in Dhaka.  A three-tier security blanket is planned for much of Dhaka, especially Ramna Park, the prime location for the Pohela Boishakh celebration.  The police have also decided to add extra security at other sites in Dhaka such as Suhrawardy Udyan, the Dhaka University campus, the Dhanmondi lake area near Rabindra Sarobar (Road #8) and adjoining areas.  Heavy traffic is expected throughout downtown Dhaka due to sporadic road closures.

Due to the expected crowds at celebration festivals, the anticipated heavy traffic, and the potential for violence, the U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens to avoid the areas of Dhaka mentioned above beginning immediately and continuing through April 15^th.

We remind all Americans to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning.  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. 

Please monitor the local media for updates. English language local news is available on the following channels at the following times:

ATN – 18:00
Bangla Vision – 21:05
BTV – 22:00
BTV – 23:30 (also broadcasts by all local satellite stations: ATN, Channel I, NTV, RTV, Bangla Vision, and Boishaki)

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2) 885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies.  The website address is dhaka.usembassy.gov.  For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at travel.state.gov, where the current Country Specific Information, Current Travel Warning, Current Travel Alerts, Worldwide Caution, and other Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh