Warden Message

July 1, 2009

The Embassy has noticed a recent rise in crime in the Diplomatic Enclave in Dhaka.  On  June 23,  a group of robbers armed with knives and guns attempted to rob Amin Jeweler’s - a popular jewelry store on the second floor of the Horseshoe Market in Gulshan 2. The Horseshoe Market is located across the street from the Westin Hotel.  Shortly after the robbers arrived at the store, a crowd attracted by the commotion gathered. The crowd attacked and disarmed two of the robbers as they exited the store.  These two robbers are now in police custody.  Meanwhile, detective branch officers are working to capture the escapees.  

We have also received a report of an attempted break-in at the Gulshan apartment of a Western diplomat.   On June 14, an assailant scaled up the wall to the second floor apartment and attempted to enter through the bedroom window.  The man failed to enter the apartment thanks to security bars on the bedroom windows.  

These incidents come on the heels of a recent increase in criminal activity within the Diplomatic Enclave in which foreigners have become victims of muggings/attacks, including while riding on rickshaws. 

If you fall victim to a crime, the Embassy recommends that you not fight your attacker.  Flee to a safe area and report the situation to the local authorities.  You are also encouraged to report the incident to the U.S. Embassy at 885-5500. 

We remind all Americans to exercise vigilance when traveling in Dhaka.  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. 

Americans living or traveling in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Registration forms and instructions are available on the Embassy's website at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov. By registering with the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, 1212. The direct phone number for American Citizen Services (ACS) is (880-2) 882-3805, and our fax number is (880-2) 882-4449. In case of an emergency, you may contact us after-hours, on weekends and on holidays at (880-2) 885-5500; press “0” and ask for the Duty Officer.

U.S. citizens may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services in the United States for the latest travel information. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services can be reached from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday, by calling 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada or, by calling (202) 501-4444 from other countries.

Please monitor the local media for updates.  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)


U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh