US embassy cable - 04STATE181797

UNCLAS STATE 181797 
 
 
INFORM CONSULS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC, CMGT, ASEC, BG 
SUBJECT: PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - BANGLADESH 
 
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. 
citizens to the potential for escalating civil unrest in 
Bangladesh.  Those residing in or traveling to Bangladesh 
are urged to use extra care and precaution while in the 
country.  This Public Announcement expires on November 22, 
2004. 
 
U.S. and international media have recently reported unrest 
in various parts of Bangladesh following an assassination 
attempt on August 21 in downtown Dhaka, involving grenades 
and gun fire, on opposition political leader Sheikh Hasina 
and senior members of her Awami League party.  At least 19 
persons were killed in the attempt, and 200 were reported 
injured.  The assault has sparked multiple incidents of 
street violence, including vehicle burning, in Dhaka and 
several other cities.  Localized strikes have occurred or 
are occurring in Chittagong, Pabna, Jhalokhati, Faridpur, 
Shariatpur, Gopalgonj, Narayangonj, Madaripur, and Sylhet. 
On August 22, a train was firebombed in Bhairab, a 
railroad junction 100 kilometers northeast of Dhaka, after 
false rumors that one of the injured Awami League leaders 
had died.  There are no reports of injuries to American 
citizens as a result of the assassination attempt or the 
subsequent incidents. 
 
The Awami League and its political partners have called 
for nationwide strikes on August 24 and 25, 2004.  There 
is a strong potential for widespread violence during these 
strikes, when strike supporters may attempt to close 
virtually all institutions and businesses in major urban 
areas, and prevent the normal circulation of vehicular 
traffic.  The strikes are not expected, however, to affect 
normal life in Baridhara and Gulshan, the so-called 
diplomatic areas of Dhaka. 
 
The Embassy is advising all Americans in or traveling to 
Bangladesh to take extra care and precaution while going 
out in public and to be cognizant of the current 
situation. 
 
American citizens in Bangladesh should remain vigilant, 
particularly in public places where spontaneous 
demonstrations might arise.  They are further advised to 
avoid all demonstrations and large crowds and consider 
postponing travel to areas that may become potential 
"hotspots" for demonstrations. 
 
U.S. citizens planning to travel to Bangladesh should 
consult the Department of State's Consular Information 
Sheet for Bangladesh and the most recent Worldwide Caution 
Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet 
at http://travel.state.gov.  American citizens may obtain 
up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 
1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States, and (317) 
472-2328 from overseas. 
 
U.S. citizens visiting or resident in Bangladesh are 
encouraged to register with the U.S. embassy, where they 
may obtain updated information on travel and security 
within Bangladesh.  Security updates are e-mailed to all 
registered Americans with an e-mail address.  American 
citizens may complete a registration form on-line at 
http://travelregistration.state.gov.  During normal 
business hours American citizens may call the U.S. embassy 
in Dhaka at (880-2) 882-3805; for after-hours emergencies 
call (880-2)-885-5500, dial "0" and ask for the duty 
officer. The fax number of the consular section is (880-2) 
882-4449.  The U.S. Embassy is located in the diplomatic 
enclave north of downtown Dhaka, at Madani Avenue, 
Baridhara, Dhaka 1212.  The embassy's workweek is Sunday 
through Thursday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  The American 
citizens services (ACS) unit is open from 1:00 pm to 4 pm, 
Sunday through Thursday except for American and most local 
holidays. 
 
Minimize Considered. 
 
 
POWELL