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Anti-quota supporters clash with police and Awami League supporters at the Rampura area in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
(NOTE: This is a developing story and further details may be added as soon as information becomes available.)
As civil unrest and violence arising from the controversial return of civil service job quotas continues in Bangladesh, several nations have already issued advisories telling their nationals to avoid non-essential travel to the beleaguered South Asian country.
As of Saturday, 20 July, the United States’ State Department escalated its travel advisory regarding Bangladesh to Level 4: Do Not Travel. The State Department also gave the go-signal for the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees and dependents from the country.
The US Bureau of Consular Affairs also warned that those availing of regular consular services may experience delays in processing due to issues with the country’s communications and transport systems.
Both the Bureau and the State Department have warned those working at the US embassy in Dhaka that their movements will be restricted on top of current travel restrictions. Likewise, the US government warns that its ability to provide emergency services to its citizens in the country may be limited in the event that the unrest escalates further.
UK, NZ, Germany: avoidance and vigilance are key
The United Kingdom and New Zealand also issued warnings over the weekend to those planning to travel to Bangladesh, sternly advising these to cancel all non-essential travel to the country.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) also warned citizens that their travel insurance may be invalidated if they go against the travel warning. Likewise, due to communications issues, consular support will be limited.
New Zealand issued similar warning to those planning to fly to Bangladesh, but also posted warnings for those already in the country.
As of 11;30am (NZT) on Monday, 22 July, the New Zealand government advised its nationals to be vigilant and avoid all large gatherings, including protests, demonstrations and rallies as these can turn more violent without warning. Those who find themselves in a troubled area need to shelter in a safe place immediately and follow the advice of local authorities, including any curfews and restrictions on public gatherings.
The German Foreign Office also reached out to German travellers via social media platform X at around 11:30am (GMT+8) on the 22nd, warning its people to hold off any trips to the South Asian country, and that over 100 have been reported dead from riots and terrorist attacks.
As of press time, the foreign affairs offices of Canada and Australia have issued similar warnings to nationals in the area. Both have also begun the voluntary repatriation of non-essential government workers and their dependents.
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