Brits have received a new travel warning over areas of Bangladesh due to fears of ‘likely’ terrorist attacks. The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice earlier this week, highlighting the significant risk posed by such incidents to UK interests and British nationals globally.
“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets,” the Government department’s site reads. “Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.”
The Foreign Office identifies crowded places, religious sites, and political demonstrations as probable locations for potential acts of terror incidents. It also cautioned that ‘some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam’.
“There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces,” the advice continues. ” These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.
“The Bangladeshi authorities continue to work to disrupt planned attacks. Increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice.
“You should remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in and around police buildings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities.”
The Foreign Office has issued a warning amidst a wave of protests that have swept across Bangladesh this year. Initially, the demonstrations were peaceful, with university students campaigning against controversial quotas that reserved a third of civil service jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 War Of Independence.
However, the Government and police were accused of using brutal force against these peaceful demonstrators, an allegation they denied, according to BBC reports. The situation escalated into widespread violence and further discontent with the ruling government.
This unrest has continued despite the Supreme Court repealing the quota on July 21, and hundreds of people have reportedly lost their lives. Amidst this, the Foreign Office also adds: “The situation remains volatile. Political rallies and demonstrations continue to take place. These can quickly turn violent, leading to clashes with law enforcement.
“During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country, which can result in fatalities. Attacks against property and public transport are possible.”