US updates travel advisory for BD

The United States has updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh ahead of the general election due in less than three months, reports bdnews24.com.

In the update, the US Department of State said political rallies and demonstrations may be held with increasing frequency or intensity as the general election draws nearer.

Travellers to Bangladesh should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence, the state department said.

It also asked Americand to reconsider travel to the Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban Hill Tracts districts due to occasional communal violence, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other security risks.

Kidnappings have occurred in the region, including those motivated by domestic or familial disputes, and those targeting religious minorities, the updated advisory said.

Separatist organisations and political violence also pose additional threats to visitors to the region, and there have been recent instances of IED explosions and active shooting.