Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh (July 3, 2019)
Location: Dhaka, other major cities across Bangladesh.
Event: The Left Democratic Alliance has called a nationwide eight-hour hartal, or general strike, Sunday, July 07, 2019 from 06:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to protest the increase in the price of natural gas.
Hartal: A form of civil disobedience expressed through strikes and protests. Hartals are a recognized political method for articulating a political demand; they may be called by political parties, labor organizations, or any group whose aim is to protest a government action or appeal to the sympathies of the government or general public. The organizers of hartals may expect businesses to close and public transportation to cease or may hope the public will remain at home (or join them in demonstrations). If the organizers of hartals or their supporters encounter other people on the street, they may view them to be in opposition to the hartal and could respond with violence. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to quickly turn violent.
Hartals often result in redeployments of local law enforcement personnel, unpredictable vehicular traffic patterns and road closures. Organizers and supporters often begin their protests on the night before a hartal.
The U.S. Embassy’s Consular section will remain open for normal business.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local news
- Remain vigilant
- Avoid large crowds and protests
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Always carry your mobile phone for emergency communications
- Exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations
Assistance:
- S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh – (88) 02 5566 2000
- DhakaACS@state.gov
- usembassy.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs – 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Bangladesh Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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