Warden Message

Warden Message, December 11, 2006

The Caretaker government has deployed the Bangladesh military across the country in 64 districts.  In Dhaka, the military established temporary camps near most of the government locations.  The Bangabhaban area (President's residence) is completely sealed off by the military and police.  The military is checking vehicles at the entry points of Dhaka looking for weapons and ammunition.  The Dhaka Metropolitan Police have imposed a ban on all kinds of gatherings, meetings and processions.  Rule 144 is in effect around areas such as the Bangabhaban, which means no more than five persons can congregate there.  None of the political parties have yet reacted.

The following areas should be avoided:  Bangabhaban, Naya Paltan, Ittefaq intersection, Joy Kali Temple Road, Nawabpur Road, Bangabandhu Avenue, Golapshah Mazar, GPO, Muktanagon, South and North Gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, Paltan intersection, Dainik Bangla intersection, Dikhusha, Shapla Square and Purana Paltan.

Please remember to follow the local media for the most up-to-date information.  English language broadcasts can be found at: 

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)

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.; 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