Kazi Zahidul Hasan :The Australian government has decided to pull back its volunteers working in Bangladesh by December 31 due to high threat of terrorist attack and uncertain political situation here.”We will withdraw Australian government funded volunteers by 31 December, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to undertake their assignments following threat of terrorist attack and political uncertainty,” according to the latest travel advice issued by the Australian Foreign Ministry on Friday.The Australian authorities in a high level of warning to its citizens have asked the Australian nationals to return home on a voluntary basis.”We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when using the transport networks in Bangladesh,” says the travel advice. It also fears further militant attacks as the latest one killed Muazzin of a Shia mosque at Shibganj upazila in Bogra on Thursday. “There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian and Western interests in Bangladesh,” said the advice.Referring to the ISIL claim to have carried out gun attacks on the Shia Muslims’ mosque in Bogra it said the level of advice has not changed.Australian citizens in Bangladesh have been asked to pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media about possible new safety or security risks.A number of attacks, claimed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), have occurred in Bangladesh, some targeting foreigners, since September.The latest travel advisory asked the Australian officials in Bangladesh to avoid travel at night, and limit their movements in public places, including bars, hotels and events and locations frequented by foreigners.Officials have also been advised to travel only by vehicle in Dhaka. The advisory further said Australians should be aware that normal travel in many parts of Dhaka is not sometime possible due to these arbitrary acts of violence.Travellers should follow the advice of local authorities, carefully plan their movements, and keep clear of all protests and large crowds as they could turn violent without warning, according to the latest travel alert.
