Asia and Oceania

Bangladesh
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 17 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (possible protests on 19 November). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include the city of Chittagong). If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you are required to give the Bangladeshi authorities ten days’ notice of your travel plans. Please see the detailed guidance in the Local Travel Chittagong Hill Tracts section of this advice.
There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Bangladesh. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk. The Government of Bangladesh have no specific quarantine plans or regulations in place at present, but arriving passengers are being screened at Dhaka International Airport and you should be prepared to fill in a questionnaire if asked. If you are suspected of being infected with the H1N1 virus you will be tested at a hospital.
There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
Sentencing in a high profile court case is scheduled for Thursday 19 November 2009 and could lead to protests. British nationals in Bangladesh should avoid crowds on this and subsequent days and should monitor this website and the local media to keep abreast of the current situation.
Up to 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. 63 British nationals required consular assistance in Bangladesh in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009. The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bangladesh are for cases of forced marriage and the issuing of passports. If you are concerned see the pages on forced marriages or passport pages of the FCO website.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

There have been no recent terrorist attacks within Bangladesh but the possibility of future attacks cannot be ruled out and British nationals should exercise caution.

For further information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

Armed robbery, pick pocketing, and purse snatching are common to Bangladesh. There have been incidents, notably in Gulshan and Banani, where resident westerners, familiar with local conditions, have been the victims of armed robbery. Therefore it is advised that you do not carry a large amount of money with you or wear jewellery in the street. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or 3-wheeled motorised rickshaws known as ''CNGs''. Passengers using '' cycle rickshaws'' and ''CNGs'' or travelling alone in taxis are particularly vulnerable, especially at night. If travelling alone you should try to avoid using public transport. We do not advise ''cycle rickshaws'' as a safe mode of transport.

Officials sometimes abuse their authority. You should be accompanied when visiting police stations.

Crime at international airports

Passengers sometimes face harassment at Bangladesh’s international airports. There are regular reports of theft and harassment at Dhaka and Sylhet airports. Beware of touts offering to carry your bags – many are thieves. Arrange pick-up transport in advance with your hotel/colleagues/friends. Taxis, including those serving the airport, often overcharge and drivers have been known to rob passengers. Passport theft at Dhaka and Sylhet airports is a particular concern. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure at all times.

Abductions

Abduction of children and businessmen for ransom is not unknown. Although this does not appear to be particularly directed at foreigners, you should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Bangladesh Country Profile

Bangladesh has a long history of political violence. You should keep yourself informed of developments in Bangladesh by regularly checking this advice and monitoring the local media. Please see the detailed guidance in the Local Travel – Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations section of this advice.

Local Travel

Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations

During civil unrest, hartals (general strikes), or blockades and demonstrations you should exercise extreme caution and vigilance. In the past, many such events have become violent, with explosives and firearms sometimes being used.

Demonstrations are often held at short notice in all areas of Bangladesh including Dhaka (though less so in Gulshan and Baridhara) and there is the potential for these demonstrations to become violent. The areas located near Dhaka University campus and other universities can be particularly volatile during civil unrest and demonstrations. The period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tensions. Party offices are best avoided during periods of heightened political tension.

You should also monitor the local media for information on more localised or minor events. Details of English language news broadcasts are as follows:

ATN - 1800hrs
Bangla Vision - 2105hrs
BTV - 2200hrs
BTV and other Bangla channels - 2330hrs

You should consult a reliable local contact before venturing into unfamiliar areas or areas where there is a history of trouble.

Chittagong Hill Tracts

We advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (this does not include Chittagong City).

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which include the areas of Khagrachari, Rangamati and Bandarban, continues to be a cause for concern. Disputes have led to protests and on occasion the blocking of main roads for several days. If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you are required to give the Bangladesh authorities 10 days’ notice of your travel plans. A central point of contact is the Chittagong Divisional Commissioner’s Office (tel: 031 617400/615247; fax: 031 617400/614961) or Deputy Commissioner’s Office (tel: 031 621001/619996; fax: 031 620570).

There is a risk of kidnapping and armed robbery in these areas.

If you must travel for essential business, you should ensure that adequate security precautions and procedures are in place before arrival.

Inform the Consular Section of the British High Commission in Dhaka in advance if your travel itinerary includes the Chittagong Hill Tracts. You should also carry some form of identification when visiting this area.

You should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.

Indian Border

You should exercise particular care near the border areas in Bramanbaria district. There are occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, including heavy fire.

Road Travel

If you intend to drive then you should hold an international driving licence.

The Bangladesh road network is in poor condition, and road safety is also very poor. Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way. Speeding, dangerous and aggressive overtaking and sudden manoeuvres without indicating, mean that serious accidents are common. You should take particular care on long road journeys and use well-travelled and well-lit routes where possible. Traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas and the streets of Dhaka are extremely congested with buses, trucks, cars, CNG three-wheelers, rickshaws and pedestrians.

Driving at night is especially dangerous as many vehicles are unlit, or travel on full-beam headlights. Streetlights are rare, even in cities. There is also a risk of banditry if you travel between towns after dark, by train, bus or ferry.

For further information see driving abroad.

Air Travel

On Sunday 11 January 2009, a Dubai bound Bangladesh Biman Boeing 747 had to make an emergency landing at Zia International Airport due to a malfunctioning engine. The Airport Authorities confirm no passengers were harmed.

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community. You should check the European Commission website [opens a new website] to see whether this will affect your travel.

Rail Travel

Bangladesh has an extensive but old rail network. Rail travel in Bangladesh is generally slow. There are occasional derailments and other incidents, which can result in injuries and deaths.

On some trains first class compartments may be lockable. You should ensure that the compartment door is locked if travelling overnight. For useful information see the Bangladesh railways website at www.railway.gov.bd [opens a new website].

Sea/River Travel

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded, particularly in the days before and after religious festivals and other holidays. There have been a number of serious accidents in Bangladesh and capsizing is common. You should exercise caution if such transport is required.

There are also frequent acts of piracy in and around Bangladeshi waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions.

For more advice see river & sea safety.

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

For more general information see our travelling during Ramadan pages.

Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers. You should dress modestly to avoid giving offence.

Same sex relations are illegal.

You should be aware that if you or your parents are Bangladeshi nationals you will be considered by the Bangladesh Government to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you have never held a Bangladeshi passport and were born outside Bangladesh. In such cases this may limit the assistance the British Government can offer you.

The violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in long detentions until court hearings eventually take place. Prison conditions are far below UK standards.

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

You should carry a photocopy of the data page and Bangladeshi visa from your passport at all times, plus copies of other important travel documents, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity is readily available. These should be kept separately from the originals, and copies left with friends or relatives in the UK.

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law and particular caution is needed when, for example, child custody becomes an issue. Please see child abduction.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are required to enter Bangladesh. Dual Bangladeshi/British Nationals are able to obtain a 'No Visa Required' stamp, but this will limit the assistance HMG can offer you. Please see the Consular Assistance section below.

The Immigration Authorities of Bangladesh have introduced an on-line embarkation/disembarkation system that aims to help passengers to pass through Immigration control more quickly. The Immigration Service Code (IS code) and covers both arriving and departing passengers. If you wish to use IS code system you should complete the on line form at the Bangladesh Immigration website. Once the on-line form has been completed, an IS code will be generated. You must retain this code as your travel agent or airline may ask you to produce it and you are required to produce it, when reporting to Immigration Control. This will enable you to be processed more quickly, and without having to complete a landing card. For the time being as a transitional measure both the manual and IS code systems will run in parallel.

New visa rules introduced in October 2006 require foreign nationals who come to Bangladesh to work, or for long term visits to have the appropriate work permits and clearances on arrival. There are increased financial penalties for overstaying on your visa as well as the possibility of a case being charged (under the Foreigners Act 1946) against those who overstay for more than 90 days. For further information on these rules you should visit the Immigration website, which provides further details on rules relating to Foreigner Registrations.

If you intend to use Dhaka as a hub from which to visit other countries in the region, ensure you obtain a multiple entry visa. If you are intending to work in Bangladesh for an NGO make sure that your sponsor has provided you with appropriate advice on the kind of visa you must obtain before arrival.

If you have had your passport renewed in Bangladesh, you will require a new visa. The Bangladesh Immigration & Passport Department are able to issue ‘exit visas’ or a ‘no visa required’ stamp. They can be contacted at their Dhaka office on: 880 2 8159878 / 8123788 / 8123323. Please note that officers there are unlikely to speak English, so you may need to have an interpreter.

Working in Bangladesh

Since April 2002, foreign nationals working in Bangladesh have been required to obtain an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate prior to each departure from Bangladesh. Full details of the requirements and those exempted can be obtained from the Bangladesh Board of Revenue website.

Health

Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. You must have suitable medical insurance, which includes cover for treatment outside Bangladesh.

Malaria and dengue fever are common to Bangladesh. Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas, especially the Chittagong Hill Tracts. But dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka. Suitable precautions, like the use of mosquito repellents, long trousers / sleeves should be taken.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Bangladesh and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) - Swine Flu in Bangladesh. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any devlopments and advice.

There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website. The Government of Bangladesh have no specific quarantine plans or regulations in place at present, but arriving passengers are being screened at Dhaka International Airport and you should be prepared to fill in a questionnaire if asked. If you are suspected of being infected you with the H1N1 virus will be tested at a hospital.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

The Government of Bangladesh has confirmed the detection of the Avian Influenza virus (Bird Flu) in 286 poultry farms in Bangladesh. At least 47 out of 64 districts are now affected. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have confirmed that the total number of culled poultry to date is in excess of 1½ million. No human infections or deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Natural disasters

Monsoon season

The climate in Bangladesh is sub-tropical and governed by Monsoon winds. Extreme weather episodes such as cyclones can occur. In the Monsoon season, which is normally from June to September, there is widespread and extensive flooding. This can disrupt travel particularly in rural areas. You should check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys.

Earthquakes

Bangladesh is located in a high-risk earthquake zone. The country lies on a major geological fault line. There was a recent tremor measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, which shook the capital and parts of the country early morning of 27 July 2008. Forty people were reported to be injured in this incident.

Tsunamis

Bangladesh can be affected by Tsunamis and the government of Bangladesh can issue Tsunami warnings. Travellers should monitor local news and comply with the advice given. Updated weather reports can be found at: www.bmd.gov.bd .

General

Insurance

We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance (including medical evacuation) before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See travel insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

Consular registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Consular Assistance

Up to 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bangladesh are for forced marriages and the issuing of passports.

British nationals of Bangladeshi origin often seek consular assistance with land or property ownership disputes. The British High Commission has no authority to intervene on your behalf with land/property problems and can only provide you with a list of local lawyers.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to which Bangladesh is a signatory, a British national under detention in Bangladesh has a right to request that the British High Commission be notified regarding his or her situation and gain access to them. In most circumstances this right does not extend to Dual Nationals.

Money

The currency in Bangladesh is Taka. Travellers' cheques can be cashed at banks and at the airports. Credit cards should be used with due caution as there is the potential for fraud.

Standard Chartered Bank has ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong, Bogra, Sylhet, Narayanganj and Khulna. HSBC has ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. Some of the five-star hotels in Dhaka have ATM facilities. UK cash point cards are accepted. Western Union has offices in Dhaka and agents in towns/cities across Bangladesh where money can be sent from the UK.

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Contacts

Bangladesh, Dhaka, British High Commission

Address:

British High Commission
United Nations Road
Baridhara
Dhaka 1212
Postal address:
P O Box 6079
Dhaka 1212

Telephone:

(880) (2) 882 2705 – 9 (five lines)
(880) (821) 724694, 724695,720331,
(880) 1713143015, 1730303626
(880) 1713095674 (Sylhet Office)
(8802) 8822705-9 (Ext-2317 or 2405) (Pension enquiries)
(880) 1713365672 (Duty Officer)

The Switchboard is open from 0800 hours to 1700 hours Sunday to Wednesday and 0800 hours to 1600 hours on Thursday

Mobile: +880 1713 143 015 & 1730 303 626 (Consular Section)
(880) 1713365672 (Duty Officer)
(880) (2) 8822705-9 (Ext-2317 or 2405) (Pension enquiries)

Sylhet Office:
Telephone: +880 821 724694-5 (Two lines) & 720331
Mobile: +880 1713 095 674

Fax:

(880) (2) 882 3437 Chancery/Management
(880) (2) 882 3666 Immigration Section
880) (2) 988 2819, + (880) (2) 882 3437 Consular
(880) (2) 881 6135
(880) (821) 720070 (Sylhet, Consular Office)

Email: consular.bangladesh@fconet.fco.gov.uk

Email: Dhaka.Press@fco.gov.uk

Email: Dhaka.Immigration@fco.gov.uk

Email: Dhaka.Commercial@fco.gov.uk

Email: Dhaka.Chancery@fco.gov.uk

Email: Dhaka.Visa@fco.gov.uk

Email: DhakaHR@fco.gov.uk

Email: Pension.Enquiries-Dhaka@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

Sun-Wed: 1500 - 2215, Thurs: 1500 - 2100 (GMT)

Sun-Wed: 0800 - 1600, Thurs: 0800 - 1400 (Local)

Consular Hours:
Sun-Wed: 1530 - 2030 (GMT)
0830 - 1330 (Local)

For telephone enquiries
Sun-Wed: 1500-2215 (GMT)
0800-1515 (Local)