Bangladesh

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

There have been a number of terrorist incidents in recent years in Bangladesh. Security agencies continue to apprehend people connected to terrorist organisations. Further attacks are possible, including against Western interests. There is a risk foreigners could be caught up in attacks directed at others.

In planning your activities, consider the kind of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include commercial and public areas, government buildings including courts, foreign government and commercial interests, military and police facilities, embassies, hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, markets and shopping areas, banks, places of worship, political rallies, cinemas, outdoor recreation and cultural events, public transport including bus terminals and railway stations, tourist areas and historic sites.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh at this time due to the unpredictable security and political situation. Pay close attention to your personal security and closely monitor the media and local information sources for news of safety and security risks and threats.

On 18 December 2011, incidents of political violence occurred at locations across Dhaka. Cars and buses were set alight, petrol bombs were thrown, and police clashed with protestors using tear gas and rubber bullets. Authorities have reportedly increased security in the capital following these events.

Nation-wide hartals (or general strikes) may be called at short notice in response to political developments and can involve the shutdown of all activity, particularly in urban areas.

Hartals may also result in violent clashes between anti-government groups and the security forces. In the event of a hartal, you should avoid unnecessary travel, keep clear of all protests and large crowds and follow the instructions of the authorities.

You should monitor the media and local sources of information for news about possible safety or security risks. Demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings, including localised industrial and social disputes, can develop with little or no warning in provincial centres, major cities and at educational institutions and become catalysts for violence and civil disorder. These demonstrations often occur on weekends (Fridays and Saturdays), but can occur at any time. You should avoid all such events as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

You should avoid Road 86 in Gulshan 2 in Dhaka where a Bangladesh Nationalist Party office is located as it regularly attracts large crowds and protests.

Violence has traditionally been characteristic of Bangladeshi politics. Fatal bomb blasts linked to political activity have occurred in the past, including at rallies and in Dhaka.

Judicial proceedings, such as the announcement of verdicts and the implementation of sentences, involving high profile cases can also prompt strong public reaction.

Significant dates and anniversaries can attract violence. Dates of national significance include: Mother Language Day on 21 February; Independence Day on 26 March; Bengali New Year on 14 April; and Victory Day on 16 December. Crowds at these celebrations have been targeted for attacks in the past. We advise Australians to avoid crowds and areas where such celebrations are taking place.

International events and political developments in the region may trigger demonstrations in Bangladesh.

Chittagong Hill Tracts region: We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region because of the high risk of politically motivated violence and kidnapping. In April 2011, four people were killed in clashes between indigenous people and Bengali settlers in Khagrachhari district. Over a hundred homes were burned down during the clashes. In February 2011, settlers attacked and burned down homes of the Jumma indigenous group in Rangamati district. In January 2011, seven people were killed in Juraichari and Kaptai during clashes between indigenous groups. In June 2007, three employees of a foreign aid agency were kidnapped in the Thanchi area of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The Government of Bangladesh has committed to implementing the terms of the 1997 CHT Peace Accord, but the political situation remains unpredictable.

For more information about kidnapping, see our Kidnapping Threat travel bulletin.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying a ransom increases the risk of further kidnappings, including of other Australians. If you do decide to travel to an area where there is a particular threat of kidnapping, you should ensure you have personal security measures in place, seek professional security advice and take out kidnapping insurance.

Criminal violence and armed robbery are common in Bangladesh.

There has been an increase in reported criminal activity over the past two years, including in Gulshan and Banani in Dhaka, where resident expatriates have been victims of armed robbery.

Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of check posts around Dhaka. We recommend Australians, including dual nationals, carry copies of their passports with them, especially when travelling at night, to assist identification at these check posts.

Thieves, often armed and operating in teams, prey upon people travelling in rickshaws (a popular mode of transport), taxis and CNGs (motorised rickshaws, also known as baby taxis). Petty crime, including theft and purse snatching, is also common.

The risk of robbery increases after dark, especially on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone on public transport after dark.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Bangladesh and you should take care not to offend. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Shorts are not worn and women should wear scarves around their necks and shoulders.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims.

Public displays of affection are not socially acceptable.

If you or your parents are of Bangladeshi origin, the Bangladeshi Government may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you have never held a Bangladeshi passport. In these circumstances, our ability to provide consular assistance, if needed, may be limited.

Local laws impose penalties, which include fines and imprisonment (between two and five years), on Bangladeshi citizens if they purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit. These laws apply to dual nationals as well.

Monsoon season and cyclones: During the monsoon season (June to September) and cyclone season (May to June and October to November) flooding and landslides can occur with little warning throughout the country. Services and transport are often affected. If you are travelling during either typhoon or cyclone season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

In the event of a cyclone, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning. You can check the latest information at the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre website. You should identify your local shelter if one is available. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe cyclone may not be available to all who choose to stay. You should also familiarise yourself with your hotel's evacuation plans.

Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The cyclone could also affect access to sea ports in the region. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, picture identification, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts.

For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Earthquakes: Bangladesh is in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes. You should take precautions and be prepared for a major emergency, including by maintaining a functional emergency kit.

Tsunamis: All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis. The Indian and Pacific Oceans experience more frequent occurrences of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.