This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (consular assistance 2007).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

 

Six members of the terrorist group Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) who had been sentenced to death were executed on 30 March 2007.  Further trials are underway.  Western interests or westerners could become the targets for retaliatory attacks or kidnapping.  If you are in, or planning to travel to Bangladesh you should ensure that you are comfortable with, and regularly review, your own and your family’s security and travel arrangements.

 

Since January 2005, terrorists have intensified the scale and frequency of attacks against domestic targets.  There have been a number of attacks in locations throughout the country, including the Dhaka, Chittagong and the Sylhet regions that have resulted in a large number of deaths.  The most serious occurred in late November/early December 2005, were reported to have caused at least 23 fatalities and injured at least 144 (further details below).  Some attacks have been undertaken against specific targets.  Others have been indiscriminate and carried out in public places, such as markets, shopping malls, cinemas, shrines, public transport and at cultural events and political gatherings.  There have also been attacks against journalists and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).  The attackers themselves have been prepared to die in such incidents.

 

Some incidents are mentioned below:

You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.  For further information read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas pages on the FCO website.

 

Crime

 

Armed robbery, pickpocketing, and purse snatching are very real threats day or night in all areas. There have been incidents, notably in Gulshan and Banani, where resident westerners, familiar with local conditions, have been robbed at gunpoint.  Therefore it is advised that you do not carry a large amount of money with you or wear jewellery in the street.  Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or 3-wheeled  motorised rickshaws known as ''CNG's''.  Passengers using '' cycle rickshaws'' and ''CNG's'' or travelling alone in taxis are particularly vulnerable, especially at night.  If travelling alone you should try to avoid using public transport.  If you need to, you can book taxis by telephone (in Dhaka), but you should exercise caution.

 

Please note that we do not advise ''cycle rickshaws'' as a safe mode of transport.  This is due to increased incidents and likelihood of risk and vulnerability involved in being injured and /or attacked whilst on them.

 

Passengers sometimes face harassment at Bangladesh’s international airports. There are regular reports of theft and harassment at Dhaka and Sylhet airports by corrupt officials and unlicensed touts. Beware of touts offering to carry your bags – many are thieves. Arrange pick-up transport in advance with your hotel/colleagues/friends. Taxis, including those serving the airport, often overcharge and drivers have been known to rob passengers. Passport theft at Dhaka and Sylhet airports is common. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure before you leave the airport.

 

Abduction of children and businessmen for ransom is increasing. Although this does not appear to be particularly directed at foreigners, you should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

 

Officials sometimes abuse their authority.  You should be accompanied when visiting police stations.

 

For more general advice see Victims of Crime Abroad

 

Political Situation

 

Bangladesh Country Profile

 

On 11 January 2007, the President declared a state of emergency.  A new Caretaker Government has been appointed.  Elections scheduled for 22 January were postponed and are now planned for 2008.  The situation in Bangladesh is currently calm but events can move quickly and you should keep yourself informed of developments, by regularly checking this advice and monitoring the local media.

 

The relationship between the two main political parties and their supporters in Bangladesh is poor.  Political parties regularly impose hartals (general strikes) and conduct public demonstrations, often at short notice.  Hartals can sometimes last several days and can end in violence including deaths.  Makeshift explosives and firearms have sometimes been used.  You should avoid all rallies, demonstrations and public gatherings, and be particularly careful during hartals (strikes) and should not attempt to cross picket lines.

 

LOCAL TRAVEL

Civil Unrest / Curfew

 

On 22 August 2007, there were clashes between students and the security authorities in Dhaka’s old city area, and in the Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Mohakhali districts.  There were also disturbances at the Jagannath University in Dhaka, the Jajangirnagar University in Savar (20kms from Dhaka), and at Universities in Rajshahi (NW Bangladesh) and Chittagong (SE Bangladesh).  Blockades were reported on the Dhaka-Aricha and Dhaka-Rajshahi highways.  The government responded by imposing a curfew.

 

It was reported that at least one person was killed, and several hundred were injured, in the violence, which has now abated and the curfew lifted.

 

Hartals

 

Please be aware that during hartals (general strikes) or blockades you should exercise extreme caution and vigilance when travelling outside the Gulshan and Baridhara areas of Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh as demonstrations are often held at short notice and have the potential to become violent.  The period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tension and at such times you are advised to avoid crowds outside mosques.

 

For information on major hartals planned, see the Bangladesh National Strikes page on the British High Commission, Dhaka website at: http://www.ukinbangladesh.org.  You should also monitor the local media (which include English language reporting), for details of more localised or minor events.

 

You should consult a reliable local contact before venturing into unfamiliar areas or areas where there is a history of trouble.

 

Chittagong Hill Tracts

 

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include Chittagong City).  If you must visit the area, you should only stay in the main towns of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban and only travel on the main roads.

 

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which include the areas of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban, continues to be a cause for concern.  Disputes have led to protests and on occasion the blocking of main roads for several days.  There is a risk that you could be caught up in violent disputes between rival political groups, clashes between such groups and the authorities, or of becoming victims of crimes targeted at foreign tourists.  If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you are required to give the Bangladesh authorities seven days’ notice of their travel plans.A central point of contact is the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office (tel:  031 617400/615247; fax:  031 617400/614961) or Deputy Commissioner’s Office (tel: 031 621001/619996; fax: 031 620570).

 

On 25 June 2007, two employees of an international aid organisation were abducted 30 miles south of Banderban near the border with Burma. In February 2004, an employee of a tour company was kidnapped from a hill resort in the Bandarban area, and foreign guests were robbed at gunpoint. You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government cosiders that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

 

If you must travel for essential business, you should ensure that adequate security precautions and procedures are in place before arrival.

 

You should also inform the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Dhaka in advance if your travel itinerary includes the Chittagong Hill Tracts.  You should also carry some form of identification when visiting this area.

Indian Border

 

You should exercise particular care near the border areas in Bramanbaria district.  There are occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, including heavy fire, and civilians have been accidentally killed in the crossfire.

 

Road Travel

 

If you intend to drive then you should hold an international driving licence. Rental cars with drivers and normal taxis are the preferred means of transportation.

 

The Bangladesh road network is in poor condition, and road safety is also very poor.  Accidents resulting in deaths and injuries are common.  Take particular care on long road journeys and use well-travelled and well-lit routes where possible.  Traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas and the streets of Dhaka are extremely congested with buses, trucks, cars, baby taxis, rickshaws and pedestrians.  Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way, and this added together with speeding, dangerous and aggressive overtaking, and sudden manoeuvres without indication, mean that road accidents are common in Bangladesh.  Driving at night is especially dangerous as many vehicles are unlit, or travel on full-beam headlights, and streetlights are rare even in cities.  Travel between towns after dark, by train, bus or ferry, is also risky because of banditry.

 

For more general information see Driving Abroad

 

Air Travel

 

On 8 July 2007, a Bangladeshi Biman flight arriving from Dubai developed a problem with its wheels/landing gear.  The plane was forced to circle the airport for over 30 minutes.  Once the problem was resolved the flight landed safely at Chittagong Airport.  There were no injuries to passengers or crewmembers.

 

On 12 March 2007, a Dhaka bound Bangladesh Biman aircraft suffered a wheel failure during take off. Around 14 passengers received minor injuries.  The incident forced Dubai International Airport to suspend operations for eight hours.

 

In July 2005 a Biman Bangladesh flight from Dubai to Chittagong caught fire and left the runway while landing at Chittagong airport. During an emergency exit from the plane some passengers sustained minor injuries.

 

In October 2004, an internal Biman Bangladesh flight from Dhaka to Sylhet crashed after landing at Sylhet Osmani International Airport.  The crew and one passenger were injured.

 

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel:  http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.

 

Rail Travel

 

Bangladesh has an extensive but old rail network.  Rail travel in Bangladesh is generally slow.  There are occasional derailments and other incidents, which can result in injuries and deaths.  On 19 June, at least four people were killed and 30 injured when a train crashed into a passenger bus on level crossing in Mirzapur, in the Tangail district of the country.

 

On 1 May 2007 three near-simultaneous explosions rocked railway stations in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.  One person was injured in the incident in Chittagong.

 

On some trains first class compartments may be lockable.  You should ensure that the compartment door is locked if travelling overnight.

 

Sea/River Travel

 

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded.  Capsizing is common.  On 23 October 2006, a ferry collided and sank in the Meghna River 40 km from Dhaka, at least 45 people were reported missing.  In May 2005 over 150 drowned within a week in three ferry accidents and in February 2005 150 people drowned in a capsize near Dhaka.  In July 2003, 600 people were drowned in one incident.

 

There are frequent acts of piracy in and around Bangladeshi waters.  Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.

 

For more general advice see: River & Sea Safety

Local laws reflect the fact that Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

You should be aware that during Ramadan eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. It is strongly advised that you refrain from smoking in public places during this time, as this is likely to cause offence. Eid Ul Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan.  For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.

 

Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers. You should dress modestly to avoid giving offence. Same sex relations are illegal.

 

You should be aware that if you or your parents are of Bangladeshi origin you may be considered by the Bangladesh Government to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you have never held a Bangladeshi passport.  In such cases this may limit the assistance the British Government can offer you.

 

A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.  Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in long detentions until court hearings eventually take place.  Prison conditions are far below UK standards.

 

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs.  Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

 

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue.  Please see child abduction

 

For more general advice for different types of travellers see Travel Checklists

Visas

 

Visas are required to enter Bangladesh.

 

The Immigration Authorities of Bangladesh have introduced an on-line embarkation/disembarkation system that aims to help passengers to pass through Immigration control more quickly.  This system is the Immigration Service Code (IS code) and covers both arriving and departing passengers.  If you wish to use IS code system you should complete the on line form at the Bangladesh Immigration website:  http://www.immi.gov.bd.  Once the on-line form has been completed, an IS code will be generated, you should retain this, your travel agent or airline may ask you to produce it.  When you report to Immigration Control, you must produce your IS code.  This will enable you to be processed more quickly, and without having to complete a landing card.  For the time being as a transitional measure both the manual and IS code systems will run in parallel.

 

New visa rules introduced in October 2006, require foreign nationals who come to Bangladesh to work, or for long term visits to have the appropriate work permits and clearances on arrival.  There are increased financial penalties for overstaying on your visa as well as the possibility of a case being charged (under the Foreigners Act 1946) against those who overstay for more than 90 days.  For further information on these rules you should check with Bangladeshi representation in the UK, before travelling or visit the Immigration website, which provides further details on rules relating to Foreigner Registrations.  Their website can be accessed at: http://www.immi.gov.bd

 

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure you obtain a multiple entry visa. If you are intending to work in Bangladesh for an NGO make sure that your sponsor has provided you with appropriate advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.

 

If you have had your passport renewed in Bangladesh, you will require a new visa.  The Bangladesh Immigration & Passport Department are able to issue ‘exit visas’ or a ‘no visa required’ stamp.  They can be contacted at their Dhaka office on:  880 2 8159878 / 8123788 / 8123323.  Please note that if you go to their office you are likely to need an interpreter.

 

Working in Bangladesh

 

Since 15 April 2002, foreign nationals working in Bangladesh have been required to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate prior to each departure from Bangladesh.  Full details of the requirements and those exempted can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue website: http://www.nbr-bd.org.

Medical facilities are poor.  Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable.  You must have suitable medical insurance and be prepared to travel outside Bangladesh for treatment.

 

There is malaria and dengue fever in Bangladesh.  Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas, especially the Chittagong Hill Tracts.  But dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Bangladesh.

 

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Bangladesh you should check the websites of NaTHNaC and http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

 

For more general health information see Travel Health

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Government of Bangladesh has confirmed the detection of the Avian Influenza virus (Bird Flu) in 87 poultry farms in Bangladesh. As of 27 January 2008 the following 26 districts are now affected -: Barisal, Bogra, Borguna, Dhaka, Dinajpur, Feni, Gaibandha, Gazipur, Jamalpur, Jessore, Joypurhat, Kuringram, Lalmonirhat, Magura, Moulvibazar, Naogaon, Narayangonj, Natore, Nilfamari, Noakhali, Pabna, Rajbari, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Tangail, Thakurgaon. Up to 16 December 2007, the FAO has confirmed that 289,717 farms have been inspected and the number of culled farms in the districts mentioned is 86. They have also confirmed that the total number of culled poultry to date is 263,780. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with:  Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS

Tropical Cyclone Sidr

 

Tropical Cyclone Cyclone Sidr passed through Bangladesh on 15/16 November 2007 resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The situation on the ground has now improved somewhat.  There are still a large number of damaged buildings, some contaminated ponds/reservoirs and some bridges down.  But most roads are now open, markets have been re-established in many places, and electricity has largely been restored (notwithstanding powercuts caused by inadequate national supply). British nationals should continue to monitor and observe the advice of the local authorities.

 

You may wish to note that, in the event of a tropical cyclone, British Nationals are advised to get shelter and monitor local radio and other media outlets to keep abreast of any developments in your area. Local authorities are likely to maintain emergency shelters but these will primarily be designed for the protection of the local population and conditions are likely to be very basic.

 

Monsoon season

 

The climate in Bangladesh is sub-tropical and governed by Monsoon winds.  Due to this, extreme weather episodes such as cyclones can occur.  In the Monsoon season, which is normally from June to September, there is widespread and extensive flooding.  This can disrupt travel particularly in rural areas.  You should check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys.

 

You should be aware that flooding has disrupted road and other transport links in these regions and is likely to continue to do so.  Fresh drinking water and food is in short supply in these areas.  The risk of contracting a waterborne disease is high and will remain so even after the waters recede.  You should keep yourself informed of developments, by regularly checking this travel advice and monitoring Bangladeshi media, which provides English language reporting.

 

In July and  August 2007, South Asia  experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive flooding across much of Bangladesh.  At least 32 of Bangladesh’s districts were reportedly affected, of these Dhaka division, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Jamalpur, Bogra, Sirajgonj, Pabna, Netrokona, Sylhet, Sunamgonj, Habigonj, Chittagong, Bandarban, Khagrachari, Tangail, Faridpur, Rajbari and Munshigonj were reported to have been the most seriously affected.

 

Heavy rainfall in Chittagong District, south-eastern Bangladesh in June 2007, resulted in landslides.  Over 110 people were killed, and hundred reported injured or missing.  Many parts of Chittagong District were cut off. Telephone and Internet links were affected.  At least 10,000 people needed to be evacuated to shelters across the Chittagong area.  Chittagong city itself suffered extensive flooding, a third of the city was reportedly under three/four feet of water.  Services at Chittagong’s (Shah Amanat) Airport were also disrupted.

 

Earthquakes

 

Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone.  The country lies on a major geological fault line.  In 2006 there were 15 tremors recorded that were felt in Chittagong and Sylhet.  There were no reports of casualties or damage.  The last significant earthquake (magnitude 6.0) occurred in south-eastern Bangladesh on 7 November 2007.  At least 12 people are reported to have been injured.  The epicentre was reported to be at Ramu, Bandarban near the country's border with India.  The tremor was felt strongly in Chittagong, Cox's Bazar, Comilla, Noakhali and in hill districts. The tremors have reportedly caused property damage in Bandarban and Chittagong.

In the evening of 12 September 2007, the Bangladeshi government issued a tsunami warning, after a  massive earthquake  hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Following the tsunami warning, Patuakhali district administration imposed a red alert at Kuakata sea beach, and coastal areas at Kalapara and Galachipa.  It was reported that the water level at the Cox's Bazar shore rose to an alarming level, sparking panic among tourists and residents of the resort town.

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  For more information see the:  Travel Insurance.

 

If things do go wrong when overseas, then this is  What We Can Do To Help.

 

Identification

 

You should carry a photocopy of the data page and Bangladeshi visa from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity is readily available. These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK.

 

Registration with the British High Commission

 

You should register with the British Consular Sections of the British High Commission in Dhaka or Sylhet.  Details of how to register can be found at: 

British High Commission Bangladesh

.

 

Consular Assistance:  Around 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year.  The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bangladesh are for forced marriages or child abductions.  If you are concerned about either of these issues please see:  forced marriages or child abduction.

 

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin often seek consular assistance with land or property ownership disputes.  You should consider taking legal advice before entering into any agreement over the ownership or use of property or other assets in Bangladesh.  The British High Commission has no authority to intervene on your behalf if you have any problems.  The only thing the High Commission can do is to provide you with a list of local lawyers.

 

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to which Bangladesh is a signatory, a British national under detention in Bangladesh has a right to request that the British High Commission be notified regarding his or her situation and gain access to them.

 

Money

 

The currency in Bangladesh is Taka.  Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and at the airports.  Credit cards should be used with due caution as there is the potential for fraud.

 

Standard Chartered Bank has ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Khulna.  HSBC have ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet.  Some of the five-star hotels in Dhaka have ATM facilities.  UK cashpoint cards are accepted.  Western Union has offices in Dhaka and agents in towns/cities across Bangladesh where money can be sent to and from the UK.