Staff Reporter :
Australian government fears further terrorist attacks in Bangladesh, advising it citizens to reconsider their need to travel to that country.
“The threat of further terrorist attack persists at this time. The level of advice has not changed. We continue to advise Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Bangladesh,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Office in its updated travel advice on Thursday. It added local security authorities remain on high alert and continue to arrest individuals alleged to be planning further acts of violence. “Remain vigilant and carry ID to assist passage though checkpoints.”
The statement said if you (Australians) do decide to travel, take additional security measures, register your travel on Smartraveller and monitor the media and other sources about possible security risks.
There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Western interests in Bangladesh, it added.
A hostage taking incident at the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in Gulshan 2 of Dhaka on July 1-2 in 2016 resulted in the death of two police officers and 20 hostages.
Most of the hostages were foreigners. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed the attack.
There have been a number of other fatal attacks in Bangladesh claimed by ISIL and Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) since late September 2015.
Foreigners, religious minorities, human rights and LGBTI activists and bloggers have been among those killed.
Local security authorities remain on high alert and continue to arrest individuals alleged to be planning further acts of violence.
There is a heightened threat of further attacks at this time. Remain vigilant and adopt enhanced safety precautions.
As a result of the terrorism threat, Australian officials in Bangladesh have been advised not to go to public locations frequented by foreigners (including hotels, restaurants and supermarkets).
“Officials continue to be advised to travel only by vehicle and limit movement at night. We recommend you adopt similar security measures and subscribe to this travel advice to stay informed.”
In recent months, security authorities have increased the number of checkpoints around Dhaka, particularly in the expatriate and diplomatic areas of Banani, Baridhara and Gulshan.
“We recommend Australians, including dual nationals, carry copies of their passports or other ID with them, especially when travelling at night, to assist identification at these check posts.”
Security at the Australian High Commission in Dhaka has been strengthened and remains under constant review.
Criminal violence and armed robberies are common in Bangladesh, including in Banani, Baridhara and Gulshan areas of Dhaka where resident expatriates have been victims of robbery, pick-pocketing and snatch and grab attacks.
Local laws impose penalties, which include fines and imprisonment, on Bangladeshi citizens if they purchase, carry, possess, transport or consume alcohol without a permit. These laws apply to dual nationals as well.
The Chittagong Hill Tracts region has a risk of violence and kidnapping. If you choose to travel to this region, be particularly vigilant and have contingency plans in place.
