UK issues travel alert for Bangladesh

The UK on Tuesday issued a travel alert for its citizens travelling to Bangladesh warning them of possibilities of violence centring the December 10 political rally in Dhaka.

“Political rallies may result in violent clashes, including with law enforcement agencies. Political rallies are expected on 10 December 2022 in Dhaka, with potential disruption to transport, communication networks and movement around the city. An increased law enforcement presence in the days surrounding 10 December 2022 is likely,” read the alert issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office of the UK.

It also advised all UK citizens to avoid all large gatherings, including political rallies. The BNP will hold a rally in Dhaka on December 10. The police permitted them to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan but party wants to hold it in front of its central office at Naya Paltan.

The alert also read, “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. The threat extends across the country. There have been several IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attacks targeting police and security forces in Dhaka, Khulna, Chittagong and Sylhet.”

“There is a risk that future attacks could target public gatherings, including religious gatherings and political rallies, crowded areas, places with a police or security presence and locations where foreign nationals are known to gather. You should minimise your exposure to these areas, consider your movements carefully and follow any specific advice of the local authorities,” the alert added.