As a result of demonstrations in areas where Peace Corps volunteers were deployed, the Peace Corps has temporarily suspended its program in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has experienced some anti-American sentiment following the U.S. military action of October 7. In addition, there have been several anti-American demonstrations throughout Bangladesh. While these demonstrations generally occur on Friday afternoons, they have the potential to take place any time and to be unruly.As a result of demonstrations in areas where Peace Corps volunteers were deployed, the Peace Corps has temporarily suspended its program in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, the Peace Corps Office in Dhaka will remain in operation, andthe U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh remains at full staff. A new Bangladesh government took office on October 10 and has been helpful in ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens.Domestic politically-inspired violence remains a possibility for the future. While Americans in Bangladesh are not the targets of this violence, they should factor it in when planning their movements.
Americans in Bangladesh are urged to monitor the news, maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy and exercise caution, as stated in the latest Worldwide Caution Public Announcement. American citizens are urged to treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion.In light of recent events in the United States, Americans traveling and residing abroad should monitor closely the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, particularly the Department's Worldwide Caution, when considering travel abroad.Americans in Bangladesh may telephone the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka at 882-3805 or 882-4700 ext. 2610 or the Embassy's web site at http://www.usembassy-dhaka.org.) for updated security information.For further general information regarding travel in Bangladesh, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Bangladesh, which is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
This Public Announcement supersedes the Department of State's Public Announcement for Bangladesh of September 26,2001, and alerts Americans to security concerns over anti-American sentiment and the temporary suspension of the Peace Corp program in Bangladesh. This Public Announcement expires on January 9, 2002.
