Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be managed. Professional security advice should be sought prior to departure.

 

Crime

 

Armed robbery, pick pocketing, and purse snatching can occur. Don’t carry large amounts of money with you or wear jewellery in the street. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorised rickshaws known as ‘CNGs’. Passengers using rickshaws, or travelling alone in taxis are particularly vulnerable, especially at night. Try to avoid using public transport if you are on your own. Cycle rickshaws are not safe.

 

Genvisec has had reports of officials sometimes abusing their authority. Make sure you are accompanied when visiting a police station.

 

There have been reports of theft and harassment at Dhaka and Sylhet airports. Beware of touts offering to carry your bags. Arrange transfers in advance. 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. Be vigilant and make sure your documents and any valuables are kept 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.

 

Political situation

 

Bangladesh has a long history of political violence. Monitor the local media to keep yourself informed of developments. Details of English language news broadcasts are as follows:

 

ATN Bangla - 9am and 6pm

Bangla Vision - 6pm

BTV 10:00, 4pm and 10pm

 

Political and other demonstrations can quickly turn violent. During civil unrest, hartals (strongly enforced general strikes) and demonstrations you should take great care. Explosives and firearms have sometimes been used in the past. Stay away from large gatherings, and avoid political offices and rallies. Road 86, in the Gulshan 2 area of Dhaka attracts a high level of political activity as the main opposition party has an office here. This activity tends to be in the evenings and can attract large numbers of supporters and activists who gather in the street.

 

Demonstrations are often held at short notice in all areas of Bangladesh including Dhaka (though less so in Gulshan and Baridhara). The areas near Dhaka University campus and other universities can be particularly volatile during civil unrest and demonstrations. Other areas which have seen violent protests include industrial zones housing large numbers of garment factories, and the financial district close to Dhaka’s Stock Exchange. The period after Friday prayers can be a time of increased tensions. You should consult a reliable local contact before venturing into unfamiliar areas or areas where there is a history of trouble.

 

Chittagong Hill Tracts

 

Genvisec advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts which comprise the districts of Rangamati, Khagrachari and Bandarban. This does not include Chittagong City, or other parts of Chittagong Division.

 

Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts continues to be a cause for concern. In 2010 clashes between rival ethnic groups led to fatalities. A gun fight in 2011 between rival political factions resulted in at least 5 fatalities. There are regular reports of violence and other criminal activities, particularly in the more remote areas. If you propose to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts you must give the Bangladesh authorities 10 days’ notice of your travel plans. For further information, contact Genvisec.

 

Indian border

 

Take 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 you should get an International Driving Permit.

 

Roads are 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 cause frequent serious accidents. 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. City streets are extremely congested and the usual rules of the road not applied. Many drivers are unlicensed and uninsured.

 

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

 

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. Make sure the compartment door is locked if you are travelling overnight. For further information see the Bangladesh railways website.

 

Sea and river travel

 

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded, particularly in the days around religious festivals and other holidays. There have been a number of serious accidents in Bangladesh and capsizing is common. Take care if you use the ferries.

 

There are frequent acts of piracy in and around Bangladeshi waters.

 

 

 

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

 

Health

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

 

Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 02-9555555 or 01730336699 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

If you need to contact the emergency services in the Bangladesh call 999 and/or the relevant regional control room.

 

Adabar

8153435

Airport

8951281

Badda

9882626

Cantonment

8829267

Dhaka

86165527

Demra

7516244

Dhanmondi

8631941-2

Gulshan

9880234

Hajaribag

9669900

Kafrul

9871771

Kamrangirchar

7320323

Khilgaon

7219090

Khilkhet

8919364

Kotwali

7116255

Lalbagh

7316300

Mirpur

9001001

Mohammodpur

9119960

Motijheel

9571000

New Market

8631942

 

Pallabi

8015122

Paltan

9360802

Ramna

9350468

Shah Ali

8060555

Shympur

7410691

Sobujbag

7219988

Sutrapur

7116233

Tejgaon

9119444

Turag

8914664

Uttara

8914126 

 

Money

The local currency is Taka. Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and at the airports. Take care when using credit cards 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 cards are accepted. There are commercial money transfer services available in Dhaka and in towns and cities across Bangladesh where you can receive money sent from an international source.

 

Local laws and customs

 

Local laws reflect the fact that Bangladesh is a predominantly Islamic 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. 

 

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

 

Same sex relations are illegal.

 

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 y yougovernment can offer you.

 

Violating 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 european standards.

 

A foreing national under detention in Bangladesh has a right to request that his government be notified about his or her situation and gain access to them. In most circumstances this right does not extend to those with dual nationality.

 

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. Local officials may ask you for proof of identity. Keep the originals separately, and leave copies with friends or relatives in your home country..

 

Family law in Bangladesh is very different from European law. You should take particular care when, for example, child custody becomes an issue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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