UK issues travel alert for Bangladesh fearing terror attack

The UK government has issued a travel alert advising the British citizens to reconsider their plan on travelling to Bangladesh, due to potential threat of terror attack on foreign nationals.The alert was issued on the UK’s government services and information website, under the foreign travel advice section, on December 12. This alert comes following the terror attack in March 2017, which had targeted security forces, foreseeing risk of future attacks. The site adds: “There’s also the risk that foreign nationals could be directly targeted in future attacks; you should consider your movements carefully and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities.” The alert further goes on to advise against travelling to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, though excluding the city of Chittagong and other parts of Chittagong division. The alert also refers to the attempted terrorist attack, that was sabotaged by the Bangladeshi security forces, on August 14 of this year. Furthermore, the alert refers to assessment results, that was carried out by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) regarding the security at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. According to DfT assessments, the Dhaka airport does not meet some of the international security requirements. UK citizens and foreign nationals residing in Bangladesh have been advised to minimise exposure to crowded areas and places where foreigners are known to gather, as these areas may be at a higher risk of attack. Travellers have also been asked to follow any specific advice provided by the local security authorities.