TRAVEL ALERT - BANGLADESH

UNCLAS STATE 134230

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC BG
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - BANGLADESH


1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the
risks of travel to Bangladesh, and urges caution while
traveling during the period before and after the upcoming
election on December 29. This Travel Alert expires on
January 5, 2009.


2. On December 17, 2008, the Government of Bangladesh
lifted a State of Emergency that had been in place since
January 11, 2007. With the December 29 national election
approaching, political parties have begun to organize
large gatherings and election rallies throughout the
country. Large gatherings in Bangladesh, including those
organized for campaigning purposes, in the past have
erupted in violence. Several newspapers also have
reported terrorist threats focused on the elections.
With these developments in mind, the U.S. EMBASSY advises
U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Bangladesh to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to review their security awareness.


3. The security situation in Bangladesh can be fluid,
and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. EMBASSY
for the latest information. U.S. citizens are reminded
that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can
quickly and unexpectedly escalate into violence.
American citizens therefore are urged to avoid the areas
of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if
within the vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens
should monitor media coverage of local events and be
aware of their surroundings at all times. Information
regarding demonstrations in Bangladesh can be found on
the U.S. EMBASSY Dhaka's web site at
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/. The Government of
Bangladesh has stated it may suspend cell phone coverage
during this period. Landlines, however, should not be
affected. The EMBASSY will remain open during elections.


4. Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular
Section of the U.S. EMBASSY in Dhaka for updated
information on the current political situation. The U.S.
Embassy is located approximately four miles south of Zia
International Airport, and five miles north of downtown
in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara,
Dhaka, telephone (88-02) 885-5500, fax number (88-02)
882-3744. The Consular Section is open for American
Citizens Services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m. For emergency services and general
information during business hours, please call (88-02)
882-3805. For emergency services after hours, please
call (88-02) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer.


5. For the latest security information, Americans
traveling abroad should regularly review the Department
of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at
http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings
and Travel Alerts
, including the Worldwide Caution
, can be found. Americans traveling to or living in
Bangladesh who are registered at the U.S. EMBASSY will
receive updated security information about Bangladesh via
e-mail. All Demonstration Notices and Warden Messages
are posted on the Embassy's web site at
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/. Up-to-date information on
safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-
888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada,
or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a
regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).


6. Minimize considered.
RICE