Cablegate: Public Announcement - Bangladesh

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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

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