The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to refrain from traveling to Bangladesh due to the escalation of civil unrest, criminal activity, and terrorism. The South Asian nation’s prime minister fled the country by helicopter as protesters breached the palace.
The State Department updated its travel advisory on Monday, ordering all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families to depart from the country.
“Travelers should avoid going to Bangladesh due to ongoing civil unrest in Dhaka,” the State Department stated in the advisory. “Violent confrontations have occurred in Dhaka, its surrounding areas, and throughout Bangladesh, with the Bangladeshi Army deployed nationwide.”
The State Department noted that Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport temporarily ceased operations on Monday, urging travelers to contact their airlines for updates on future flights.
The advisory cautioned that due to these travel restrictions, coupled with limited infrastructure and support from the Bangladeshi government, the U.S. government’s capacity to provide emergency services to American citizens may be restricted.
This directive follows the resignation of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, marking the end of her 15-year term.
Hasina’s departure was triggered by thousands of protesters storming her residence, prompting her to escape by military helicopter to neighboring India.
The violent protests, which have resulted in widespread damage, began as a movement against job quotas in government positions and evolved into a campaign to remove Hasina from power.
In the wake of Hasina’s flight from the country, Bangladesh’s military has assumed control and announced plans to establish an interim government.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for elections to select a new prime minister.