Warden Message

Warden Message- Bishwa Ijtema

Islam’s second-largest annual gathering held annually in Bangladesh - “Bishwa Ijtema” - will take place January 30 – February 1 on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi.  The main gathering point is about 3 km north of the Zia International Airport in Dhaka.  The government expects around three to four million visitors from around the world at the Ijtema this year.

The Ijtema leads to major traffic disruptions in Dhaka every year.  We expect disruptions at Mohakhali, Kakoli, Nikunja, Natun Bazar, Khilkhet, Uttara and Tongi.  The following roads will be closed to ease traffic congestion from 1800 hrs on January 31 until 1800 hrs on February 1, 2009:  Progoti Sharani Crossing – Tongi – Gazipur Chourastha,  Abdullahpur -  Ashulia – Bypall Crossing, from Mirpur Mazar Road to Beribadh Road, from Mirpur Zoo to Beribadh Road, from Pallobi Eastern Housing Area to Beribadh Road.

We advise all American Citizens to avoid Airport Road and all the roads from Gazipur Chourasta to Kuril on the above mentioned dates and remain alert while traveling in proximity to those areas.  Travelers to and from the airport will be allowed to use Airport Road upon showing airline tickets to traffic police.  Additionally, those wishing to visit the Radisson Water Garden Hotel are advised to use the DOHS Baridhara access road. Those taking this route will be allowed to proceed along Airport Road to the hotel.

If you are planning travel over the weekend of 30-31 January 2009, please bear in mind that Bishwa Ijtema will result in increased air travel into and out of Bangladesh, so plan for congestion around the major airports.

We will remain in contact with police authorities throughout the weekend and will give updates if necessary.

General Security Guidance: All Americans are reminded to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka as demonstrations can occur with little warning. All personnel should be sure to avoid 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.

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