US Issues Level 3 Travel Advisory for Bangladesh Amid Civil Unrest and Terror Threats
The United States has reissued a Level 3 travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning against non-essential travel due to ongoing civil unrest, terrorism threats, and rising communal violence.
In a fresh advisory, the US Department of State urged its citizens to reconsider travel to Bangladesh amid political instability, warning of violent protests, terrorism risks, and growing communal tensions. The alert maintains a ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’ advisory for the entire country and a more severe ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ advisory for the Chittagong Hill Tracts region.
“Since summer 2024, civil unrest and violent clashes have largely subsided with the formation of the Interim Government. Occasional protests continue with potential for violent clashes,” the advisory noted. It added that even peaceful gatherings can quickly turn dangerous.
The advisory lists Chittagong Hill Tracts as a no-go zone due to “crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and communal violence.” In major cities such as Dhaka, the US warned of muggings, burglaries, and drug trafficking.
Due to security risks, US government employees in Dhaka are barred from traveling outside the diplomatic enclave without special authorization. Travel outside the capital is severely restricted due to limited infrastructure and emergency response capacity.
Communal unrest has surged since the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August 2024, following student-led protests against the government’s quota bill for jobs. Minorities, especially Hindus, have since faced targeted attacks.
The violence has drawn sharp reactions from India and the US. US President Donald Trump earlier condemned what he called “barbaric violence” against minorities in Bangladesh, vowing support for Hindu Americans and stronger ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Modi raised the safety of minorities in Bangladesh during his recent meeting with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. India has consistently flagged the deteriorating conditions for Hindus and other religious groups.
Adding to the tension, anti-Israel demonstrations erupted in Dhaka last week, following the Gaza offensive. Protesters vandalized businesses linked to Israel, including KFC and Pizza Hut, and targeted international brands.
A police deployment was required in Dhaka’s Mirboxtula area after crowds smashed soft drink bottles believed to be Israeli-affiliated. The protests led to significant property damage and disruptions in public life.
