Sipu Jha
The United States embassy in Bangladesh on Friday issued a security alert for its citizens currently in the South Asian nation ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12.The embassy, located in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital and largest city, urged US citizens to remain vigilant, warning that political violence or extremist attacks could occur during the election period.“Bangladesh will hold parliamentary elections and a national referendum simultaneously on February 12. During the election period, political violence or extremist attacks may occur, potentially targeting rallies, polling stations, and religious sites. US citizens should remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations, and exercise caution near any large gatherings,” the embassy posted on X.It added that it will offer limited online services both on the day before the election and on election day, as the Bangladesh interim government has announced transportation restrictions starting February 10 for motorcycles and all public transport for the following two days.The US embassy urged Americans in Bangladesh to:
- avoid large crowds and demonstrations
- be aware of their surroundings
- monitor local news
- remain vigilant and keep a low profile
- always carry their mobile phones and ensure the devices are fully charged for emergency communications
- review personal security plans
- plan for alternate travel routes
Bangladesh has been gripped by political violence in the run-up to the polls, which were necessitated by the August 2024 toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in a youth-led movement. The most prominent incident was the murder of Inqilab Manch spokesperson Osman Sharif Hadi, who was shot in Dhaka in December last year and later died in a Singapore hospital.
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