US embassy alerts its citizens over security
Staff Reporter :
The US Embassy in Dhaka has triggered the alarm bell for its citizens urging them to exercise vigilance and caution due to potential security risks centring the 12th parliamentary election.
The advisory issued by the US Embassy on Thursday emphasised the peaceful intentions of the election cycle but warned that situations could escalate into confrontations and violence with little or no prior warning.
The US citizens were specifically cautioned to be wary of large gatherings and to stay informed about local events through monitoring local news stations, it read.
“Violence may occur with little or no warning preceding the elections, on election day, or during the days or weeks following.
US citizens should exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings.??You should review personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates,” it said.
Besides, the US embassy will remain closed for public services on the polling day on January 7, it further said.
US government personnel in Bangladesh live, work, and travel under strict security guidelines and are subject to movement and travel restrictions. During times of demonstrations and civil unrest these travel restrictions may be enhanced, it said.
Such restrictions could limit non-essential travel to areas such as the diplomatic enclave and nearby neighborhoods of Baridhara, Gulshan, and Banani.
The advisory highlighted that the US government’s ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in Bangladesh could be hampered due to these travel restrictions. For the latest security information, US citizens were directed to regularly monitor the Department of State’s website travel.state.gov, where country-specific information, travel warnings, and alerts are regularly updated.
Additionally, U.S. citizens were urged to maintain their travel documents and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
The program not only provides timely safety and security announcements but also facilitates communication with family and friends in case of an emergency.
With tensions rising in the lead-up to the elections, the US Embassy’s advisory underscores the importance of cautious behavior and preparedness among American citizens residing or traveling in Bangladesh during this critical period.
Apart from the US cautionary alert, different international organisations including International Crisis Group had previously cautioned for election violence.
Since the announcement of the election schedule, violence has erupted among the supporters of the candidate and most of the violence were reported as intraparty violence as the major opposition BNP and some other political parties have boycotted the election.
