Bangladesh

Terrorist attacks are possible. Throughout 2019, local and international groups published material on line encouraging attacks in Bangladesh. 

During 2018 – 2019, there were improvised explosive device (IED) attacks around Dhaka. No foreigners were targeted or killed during these attacks. Monitor the news and other sources for information on any such attacks and avoid these locations.

Australian Government staff in Bangladesh implement security measures because of the threat of terror attack. Security protocols at the Australian High Commission are under constant review.

Australian officials:

• plan and undertake their movements cautiously
• undertake a risk assessment for all domestic travel
• do not use public transport
• minimise walking alone in Dhaka
• avoid public and other locations that don’t have strong security measures in place.

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Criminal violence and armed robberies are common and occur in all large cities. Expected for similar sized cities around the world. In the past, expatriates have been victims of robbery, pickpocketing and 'snatch and grab' attacks.

Thieves, often armed and operating in teams, can target people travelling in rickshaws, taxis and motorised rickshaws. Petty crime, including theft and purse snatching, is common. The risk of robbery increases after dark, especially on public transport.

Law enforcement agencies have increased the number of check posts around Dhaka, particularly in Dhaka's expatriate and diplomatic areas of Banani, Baridhara and Gulshan.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Random attacks with small improvised explosive devices, known as cocktails, happen from time to time in public areas.

International and political developments in the region may cause local protests.

Violence at political events has killed and injured people in recent years. These events included:

• general strikes, also known as hartals
• blockades of rail, road and river transport networks
• high profile criminal trials or sentencing.

Hartals led by political groups can:

• be nationwide or local
• be violent
• target public and private transport
• involve both anti-Government protesters and security forces

Blockades of rail, road and river transport networks led by political groups may result in:

• violence that targets public and private transport
• shortages of fuel and other supplies

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid crowded areas and large public gatherings
• be alert to possible threats when political tensions are high
• be alert around significant dates and in areas prone to violence
• make a plan for moving between locations
• have an exit strategy from places you visit
• monitor the media and local sources for information on possible unrest

Crowds commemorating significant dates and anniversaries have also been attacked. Dates of national significance include:

• Mother Language Day on 21 February
• Independence Day on 26 March
• Bengali New Year on 14 April
• Durga Puja late September to early October (dates are announced a few weeks ahead)
• Victory Day on 16 December

Political violence occurs in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region, including:

• violence between individuals and different groups
• kidnapping

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts region despite our advice:

• arrange personal security measures
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures

Bangladesh experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• cyclones
• flooding
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Be prepared for a major emergency. Keep an emergency kit.

If a natural disaster happens:

• closely monitor local media and other sources, including the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in contact with friends and family

Cyclones, flooding and severe weather

The monsoon season is from June to September.

The cyclone seasons are from May to June and from October to November.

During these times, flooding and landslides can happen with little warning.

Severe weather can affect services and transport.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe storm:

• you may not be able to leave the area
• it could delay or suspend flights
• available flights may fill quickly
• it could affect access to sea ports
• there may not be enough shelter for everyone who stays

To reduce your risk of getting caught in severe weather events:

• stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts
• check cyclone watches and warnings
• monitor local media and regional weather forecasts

If a cyclone is approaching:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• know your accommodation's evacuation plans
• identify your local shelter

If you're travelling during monsoon or cyclone season, ask your tour operator if the weather will affect your services.

More information:

• Joint Typhoon Warning Center
• Surviving cyclones: preparation and safety procedures

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Bangladesh also experiences earthquakes and tsunamis.

The US Geological Service website has real-time information on earthquakes.

If there's an earthquake:

• follow the advice of your accommodation provider and local authorities
• monitor local media and warnings from local authorities

Move to higher ground if:

• you're in a coastal or low-lying area
• you feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• you feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• you see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• you hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings. Once on high ground, monitor local media and weather services.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Bangladesh. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use only

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

There has been a spike in cases of chikungunya in Bangladesh, including areas of Dhaka, since July 2017. Chikungunya is a virus spread by mosquitoes.

Malaria occurs in rural areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases occur in many areas, including

• dengue
• Zika virus 
• Japanese encephalitis

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to Zika virus-affected areas

To protect yourself from illness:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a risk.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human cases of avian influenza have been confirmed in Bangladesh.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases happen, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• Nipah virus
• tuberculosis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water sources
• always check with local authorities before swimming in waters
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Anthrax

Outbreaks of coetaneous anthrax have occurred in the past and could do again. Affected people either ate beef or had close contact with diseased animals.

It's safe to eat fully cooked beef and beef products from reliable sources.

To protect yourself from illness:

• avoid handling raw meat
• avoid butchering
• only eat fully cooked beef from reliable suppliers

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. They often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities is poor. Medical facilities outside Dhaka are very limited.

Doctors and hospitals usually need up-front payment before they will treat you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include mandatory jail sentences and the death penalty. Jail sentences are mandatory even in cases that involve just a small amount of illegal drugs.

Law enforcement agencies looking for illegal drugs raid places where teenagers and young people spend time.

Hookah pipes or smoking pipes are common in some bars and cafes. Criminals may spike them with illegal drugs. Avoid using these pipes.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Serious crime

The death penalty can apply for crimes including:

• murder
• trafficking of children
• abduction
• espionage
• hijacking an aircraft

Authorities use corporal punishment such as whipping as an alternative to jail.

Proof of identity

Local authorities can demand to see identification.

Always carry a copy of your passport with you, even if you're a dual national.

Other laws

Same-sex acts are illegal. Penalties include jail sentences.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Bangladeshi civil law differs from Australian law. This includes family matters such as:

• divorce
• child custody
• child support

If you plan to do anything that involves local laws, including business and family matters:

• seek professional advice
• make sure you know your rights and responsibilities under Bangladeshi law

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Bangladeshi Government may consider you a Bangladeshi citizen if:

• you're of Bangladeshi origin
• your parents are of Bangladeshi origin

This may be the case even if you've never held a Bangladeshi passport.

This limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

It's illegal for Bangladeshi citizens to purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit.

These laws apply to dual nationals.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Dress and behaviour standards

Dress and behaviour standards are conservative.

Don't wear shorts. If you're a woman, wear a scarf around your neck and shoulders.

Public displays of affection aren't socially acceptable. They may attract attention from law enforcement officials.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask a local.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, Muslims must not eat, drink and smoke between sunrise and sunset.

If you're non-Muslim, authorities can detain you if you eat, drink or smoke in public during this time. They may even deport you.

You need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Arrange it before you arrive.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Bangladesh High Commission for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

f you're working in Bangladesh, each time you leave, you need to present either:

• an Income Tax Clearance Certificate
• an Income Tax Exemption Certificate

More information:

• Bangladesh National Board of Revenue

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

Never hand your passport over to strangers. If hotel staff ask to make a copy of it, make sure they return it straight away.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Bangladesh Taka (BDT).

You must declare amounts of more than $US5000 when you enter or exit the country. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can use credit cards and ATM facilities in major centres.

Credit card fraud happens. Take care not to expose your PIN. Monitor your bank statements for possible fraud.

Driving permit

You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Bangladesh.

Get an IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Violent protests and demonstrations occur in Dhaka and other districts. This includes on the main airport road.

These events can cause major traffic delays and disruptions.

Monitor local media. Follow the advice of local authorities.

You're twice as likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Bangladesh as in Australia.

Travel is dangerous. Fatalities are common.

Dangers include:

• congested roads
• chaotic traffic
• drivers overtaking other vehicles when it's unsafe

Head-on collisions are common.

Risks are higher at night and outside the major cities.

Cars, buses and trucks often drive at high speed either:

• without headlights
• with headlights at full beam

Many rickshaws and CNGs are unlit at night, and are difficult to see in the dark.

Most rural roads are built up due to monsoon floods. Road shoulders can have a 2m to 3m drop.

Monsoon floods can also damage roads and make them impassable.

Traffic accidents, even minor ones, often attract large crowds of onlookers. This can quickly get out of control and turn violent.

Other issues that can increase accident risks and severity include:

• people sitting on the roofs of buses and trains
• severe overcrowding inside vehicles

If you intend to drive in Bangladesh:

• get to know local traffic laws and practices
• check the news for road closures
• keep your car windows and doors closed and locked at all times
• don't drive at night if possible

If you're involved in an accident, immediately contact police and follow their instructions.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use motorbikes.

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use taxis or ride-sharing service due to safety concerns.

Only use registered taxis and limousines. Try to book these through your hotel.

Public transport

Australian High Commission staff are instructed not to use public transport.

Travel by bus may be unsafe due to:

• unqualified and uninsured drivers
• poor vehicle maintenance
• high-speed driving
• overcrowding

Train travel can be unsafe due to:

• broken tracks
• many unauthorised and unmanned crossings

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Boat travel

Overloading can occur on river craft, including ferries. Boats may also not have life-saving equipment on board. People die in major accidents.

Piracy occurs in coastal areas.

More information:

• International Maritime Bureau piracy reports
• Travelling by boat

Air travel

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has extra security measures.

Check Bangladesh's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 999.

Medical emergencies

Call 999 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 999 or go to your local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Dhaka.

Australian High Commission, Dhaka

184 Gulshan Avenue 
Gulshan 2 
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Website: bangladesh.highcommission.gov.au

Email: Consular.Dhaka@dfat.gov.au  

Check the Australian High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia