Warden Message

Warden Message, August 8, 2007

Warden Message

Media reports have underscored the continuing threat to Americans at home and abroad. While we have not received specific threats to U.S. interests in Bangladesh, the U.S. Embassy reminds all Americans to remain alert and vigilant.  The following advice remains valid particularly in view of the upcoming anniversaries of political significance in Bangladesh. 

Vary your routes, times and activities:  Schedules that are the most predictable leave you the most vulnerable.  Be unpredictable in both your work and social schedules.  Remember to vary shopping habits, when and where you walk your dog, evening/morning walks, departure times for work, etc. 

Avoid confrontations:  If you are being followed or harassed, go to the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility.  Never lead the person back to your house or stop or leave your vehicle.

Share information appropriately:  Be sure share your daily plans with colleagues and family so they know how to reach you in an emergency. 

General Security Guidance:  Please remember to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning.  Please be alert and aware at all times and continue to vary routes and schedules.  Finally, all Americans are urged to carry their mobile phones with them at all times. 

General guidance for all emergencies is “GET IN, STAY IN, and TUNE IN”

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)

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka can be reached at (880-2) 885-5500 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies. Our 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 http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Bangladesh Public Announcement, Bangladesh Consular Information Sheet and other Public Announcements 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