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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2765.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jan 13 2007 03:51:33 GMT-0800.

Bangladesh

January 12, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens that the Caretaker Government declared a State of Emergency in Bangladesh. An initial curfew has been lifted, but a new curfew could be reinstated at any time. The Department of State is concerned about the fluid security situation in Bangladesh and strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the country. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement for Bangladesh dated November 8, 2006, and expires on April 12, 2007.

On January 11, 2007, President Ahmed stepped down as leader of the Caretaker Government after declaring a state of emergency. Elections previously scheduled for January 22 have been postponed indefinitely. Because the political and security situation throughout Bangladesh remains fluid, the Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the country. An initial curfew has been lifted, but a new curfew could be reinstated at any time. There is the potential for American citizens to become caught up in demonstrations or other situations which do not directly target them. The Embassy expects the situation throughout Bangladesh to remain uncertain during implementation of the state of emergency.

In late October 2006, political violence erupted in Dhaka and provincial cities, killing approximately 40 people and wounding several hundred. The political opposition successfully shut down the country’s major port in Chittagong, border entry points from India, and major highways leading to Dhaka and Chittagong. All modes of transportation, including rail and river, were temporarily disrupted.

The Embassy advises all Americans traveling or residing in Bangladesh to keep abreast of developments, remain vigilant, and avoid large crowds and political demonstrations. U.S. citizens can expect a more robust presence of security forces, including the airport. A curfew would limit the ability to travel, and travelers should plan accordingly. Media controls are currently in place and political activity, including criticism of the government, is prohibited.

U.S. citizens who must travel to Bangladesh despite this warning should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Bangladesh, the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the Middle East and North Africa 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 Canada, and (202)501-4444 from overseas.

U.S. citizens visiting or residing 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. Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. Information on registering can also be found at the Embassy website: http://dhaka.usembassy.gov or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html.

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 to the public from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, except for American and most local holidays.