Warden Message

March 20, 2008

The Bangladesh police have informed the U.S. Embassy that they expect demonstrations in the vicinity of the National Mosque following Friday prayers in reaction to a controversial Women’s Development Policy being debated by the Government.  During the past week, this issue has sparked large demonstrations.  U.S. citizens in Bangladesh should also be aware that Friday, March 21, the Prophet’s Birthday, will likely result in large gatherings at and around mosques.  Please be cautious if you encounter any large gatherings of people over the weekend.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Bangladesh from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

If you need to access local news, 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 Country Specific Information, Current Travel Warning, Current Travel Alerts, Worldwide Caution, and other Travel Alerts 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