Asia and Oceania
Bangladesh
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Still current at: 06 September 2008
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Updated: 04 September 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments throughout. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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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.
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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.
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On 11 January 2007, the President declared a state of emergency, which remains in force. The situation in Bangladesh is currently calm but events can move quickly and you should keep yourself informed of developments, by regularly checking this advice and monitoring the local media. You should avoid all rallies, demonstrations and large gatherings including 'hartals' (political strikes). Please see the detailed guidance in the Local Travel - Civil Unrest/Hartals/Demonstrations section of this advice.
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Up to 75,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh every year. The main types of incidents for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bangladesh were forcases of forced marriage and the issuing of passports. If you are concerned see the pages on forced marriages or passport issue pages of the FCO website.
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The Holy month of Ramadan started on 2nd September and will run to the 1st or 2nd October. Please see the guidance on travelling in Bangladesh during Ramadan in the Local Laws and Customs Section below.
- We strongly 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. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
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. For further information see Terrorism Abroad.
Since January 2005 there have been a number of attacks throughout Bangladesh, including attacks against specific targets and indiscriminate attacks in public places, such as markets, shopping malls, cinemas, shrines, public transport and at cultural events and political gatherings.
Attacks have included:
· On 1 May 2007, three bombs exploded at railway stations in Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong. No one was seriously injured.
· On 19 December 2006, a makeshift device exploded near student residences in the Dhaka University campus area.
· In late 2005, bomb explosions at legal/judicial and local government facilities in Chittagong and Gazipur and in the eastern and north-eastern regions of Bangladesh caused 23 fatalities and injured 144.
Crime
Armed robbery, pickpocketing, 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 ''CNG's''. Passengers using '' cycle rickshaws'' and ''CNG's'' 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.
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 by corrupt officials and unlicensed touts. 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 common. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure before you leave the airport.
Abductions
Abduction of children and businessmen for ransom is increasing. 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.
Officials sometimes abuse their authority. You should be accompanied when visiting police stations.
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 by corrupt officials and unlicensed touts. 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 common. Ensure your documents and any valuables are accounted for and secure before you leave the airport.
Abductions
Abduction of children and businessmen for ransom is increasing. 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
In January 2007, the President declared a state of emergency, which remains in force. A new Caretaker Government was appointed. Elections scheduled for January 2007 were postponed and are now scheduled for December 2008. In August 2008 City Corporation elections were held in Sylhet, Khulna, Rajshahi and Barisal. The elections were largely peaceful. The situation in Bangladesh remains calm but events can move quickly as the relationship between the two main political parties and their supporters is poor. Political parties have regularly imposed hartals (general strikes) and conducted public demonstrations, often at short notice. Hartals have sometimes lasted several days and can lead to violence including deaths (see Local Travel section).
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 (except the areas of Gulshan and Baridhara) and there is the potential for these demonstrations to become violent. You should also be aware that the period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tensions.
On 25 August, students at Dhaka University, Dhaka College and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology damaged around 30 vehicles setting two ablaze. One person was killed when a gas canister exploded.
Between 9 -11 May 2008, over 200 students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute damaged around 20 vehicles and set fire to a bus on the Tongi Diversion Road. It was later reported that a total number of 70 people were injured in this incident.
On 12 April 2008, the Bangladeshi media reported clashes at Fatullah in Narayanganj (20 kms southeast of Dhaka), between police and approximately 15,000 garment workers over high food prices and low wages. At least 50 people were injured.
On 11 April 2008, there were violent clashes between the police and demonstrators in Dhaka's Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area over a new policy advocating more rights for women. Reports state that the police used batons, rubber bullets and tear gas to break up demonstrations. Over 200 people were injured, including at least 52 policemen and five journalists.
On 25 August, students at Dhaka University, Dhaka College and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology damaged around 30 vehicles setting two ablaze. One person was killed when a gas canister exploded.
Between 9 -11 May 2008, over 200 students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute damaged around 20 vehicles and set fire to a bus on the Tongi Diversion Road. It was later reported that a total number of 70 people were injured in this incident.
On 12 April 2008, the Bangladeshi media reported clashes at Fatullah in Narayanganj (20 kms southeast of Dhaka), between police and approximately 15,000 garment workers over high food prices and low wages. At least 50 people were injured.
On 11 April 2008, there were violent clashes between the police and demonstrators in Dhaka's Baitul Mukarram National Mosque area over a new policy advocating more rights for women. Reports state that the police used batons, rubber bullets and tear gas to break up demonstrations. Over 200 people were injured, including at least 52 policemen and five journalists.
For information on major hartals planned, see the Bangladesh National Strikes page on the British High Commission, Dhaka website at: http://www.ukinbangladesh.org.
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).
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).
- On 25 June 2007, two employees of an international aid organisation were abducted 30 miles south of Banderban near the border with Burma
- In February 2004, an employee of a tour company was kidnapped from a hill resort in the Bandarban area, and foreign guests were robbed at gunpoint.
If you must travel for essential business, you should ensure that adequate security precautions and procedures are in place before arrival.
You should also 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.
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, and civilians have been accidentally killed in the crossfire.
Road Travel
If you intend to drive then you should hold an international driving licence. Rental cars with drivers and normal taxis are the preferred means of transportation.
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, there is also 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.
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, there is also 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.
For further information see Driving Abroad.
Air Travel
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 following link to see whether this will affect your travel: http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm.
Rail Travel
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
Sea/River Travel
River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded. 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
- On Monday 12 May 2008, at least 50 people died after a passenger launch bound for Mithamain Upazila capsized in the Ghorautra River. At least 100 people are still reported missing.
- In February 2008, at least 30 people died after a passenger launch bound for Munshiganj collided with a cargo vessel on the Buriganga river.
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 Travelling during Ramadan.
Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers. You should dress modestly to avoid giving offence. Same sex relations are illegal.
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.
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.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
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: http://www.immi.gov.bd. Once the on-line form has been completed, an IS code will be generated, you should retain this, your travel agent or airline may ask you to produce it. When you report to Immigration Control, you must produce your IS code. 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. Their website can be accessed at: http://www.immi.gov.bd
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 if you go to their office you are likely to need 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: http://www.nbr-bd.org.
Health
Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. You must have suitable medical insurance which includes a 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 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 Heath 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.
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
General
Insurance
We strongly 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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
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.
The FCO publication, “Support for British Nationals Abroad” (sets out what help the FCO can provide, and how you can get it.
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.
The FCO publication, “Support for British Nationals Abroad” (sets out what help the FCO can provide, and how you can get it.
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 if you have any 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 have ATMs in Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet. Some of the five-star hotels in Dhaka have ATM facilities. UK cashpoint cards are accepted. Western Union has offices in Dhaka and agents in towns/cities across Bangladesh where money can be sent from the UK.
Travel advice for this country
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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/ 2706/ 2707/ 2708/ 2709 (five lines)
(880) (821) 724694, 724695, 720331 (Sylhet Consular Office)
(880) 1713 090752 (Duty Officer- Emergency Calls only - NOT visaenquiries)
Fax:
(880) (2) 882 3437
(880) (2) 882 3666 Immigration Section
(880) (2) 882 3437 Consular
(880) (2) 881 6135
(880) (821) 720070 (Sylhet, Consular Office)
Email: Dhaka.Consular@fco.gov.uk
Email: ppabhc@citecho.net
Email: Dhaka.Press@fco.gov.uk
Email: Dhaka.Immigration@fco.gov.uk
Email: Dhaka.Commercial@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
Sun-Wed: 0200 - 1000, Thurs: 0200 - 0800 (GMT)
Sun-Wed: 0800 - 1600, Thurs: 0800 - 1400 (Local)
Consular Hours:
Sun-Thurs: 0230 - 0730 (GMT)
Sun-Thurs: 0830 - 1330 (Local)