Warden Message

May 20, 2009

The Embassy has recently noted an increase in crime directed against foreigners in the Diplomatic Enclave in Dhaka.  Many of the reported attacks occurred while the victims were riding in rickshaws; other incidents involved the targeting of small groups of foreigners on foot.

To reduce your risk while riding in a rickshaw, keep your bags or valuables under your legs or behind you back, away from passing vehicle traffic and ensure the your bag’s carrying straps are not visible.  For security reasons, the Embassy recommends that Americans avoid riding in taxis, busses, and engine-powered rickshaws (CNGs).

The Embassy advises all Americans to avoid traveling on foot at night.  If travel on foot is unavoidable, try to travel in large groups whenever possible and avoid unlit areas.  Do not travel with more money than is necessary to conduct your business, and keep all high value items in a secure location at home.

If you fall victim to a crime, the Embassy recommends that you not fight with your attacker.  Flee to a safe area and report the situation to the local authorities.  You may also wish 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 the 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 U.S. 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