Warden Message
January 17, 2008
The students and the teachers of Dhaka University are planning to continue demonstrations until the arrested teachers are freed. While thus far the protests have been peaceful, the U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid the Dhaka University area throughout this extended weekend due to the potential for the situation to change with little warning.
Bishaw Ijtema
The Muslim’s second-largest congregation held in Tongi (about 3 KM north of Airport), will begin January 25 to 27. The government is expecting around five million devotes at the Ijtema this year. The whole area will be brought under surveillance. Traffic disruption is expected at Mohakhali, Kakoli, Nikunja, Bishaw Road (Highway in between Embassy and GSO), Khilkhet, Uttara and Tongi. Starting from 1800 hrs of January 26 to 1200 hrs of January 27, all the roads from Gazipur Chouratsa to Kuril will remain closed.
The Embassy will remain in contact with police authorities throughout the weekend and will give updates if necessary. We may issue a more detailed notice concerning the Bishaw Ijtema next week as we get closer towards the event.
Those planning travel over the coming week should keep in mind that this event will result in increased air travel into and out of Bangladesh, and all should plan accordingly.
General Security Guidance: All Americans are reminded to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning. Americans are advised to avoid large crowds. Please be alert and aware at all times and continue to vary routes and schedules. Finally, all individuals are reminded to carry their mobile phones with them at all times.
All Americans are reminded to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning. Americans are advised to avoid large crowds. Please be alert and aware at all times and continue to vary routes and schedules. Finally, all individuals are reminded 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://www.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
Information for Travelers
Register with the Embassy
Travel Advisory
Warden Messages
Demonstration Notices
American Citizen Services
