Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh (February 11, 2019)
Location: Tongi, Gazipur, Bangladesh, and surrounding areas
Event: Bishwa Ijtema, the world’s second-largest Muslim gathering, will be held in Bangladesh February 15 – 18, 2019. Bishwa Ijtema will be held on the banks of the Turag River in Tongi. The main gathering point is approximately 3km north of Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Approximately four to five million attendees are expected to participate.
This event will have a major impact on vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns throughout Dhaka. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, in an effort to ease traffic congestion, are expected to limit vehicular access on several of Dhaka’s major thoroughfares February 15 – 18 between 0500 – 1800hrs.
We encourage you to review your scheduled travel during the above listed timeframes and consider factoring in additional transit time. Airport travelers should have their airline tickets in possession and be prepared to present their airline tickets at police checkpoints.
Embassy Operations: Embassy operations are normal.
Actions to Take:
· Review your scheduled travel during this timeframe and consider factoring in additional transit time.
· If planning to fly, keep airline tickets in your possession and be prepared to present them at police checkpoints.
· Exercise additional caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Dhaka, Bangladesh – (88) 02 5566 2000DhakaACS@state.gov
- bd.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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