UK issues travel advisory for Bangladesh amid growing tensions
As per the latest development, the United Kingdom has issued a strong travel advisory warning its nationals against travelling to Bangladesh because of the increasing violence and the increased risk of terrorist attacks.
The advisory, which was issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), expressed concern about indiscriminate terrorist attacks that target religious sites, crowded venues that are frequented by foreign nationals, and politically heated events.
Reports add that after former ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was recently arrested on sedition charges, anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh further increased, which led to the issuing of the travel advisory. As per the reports, protests broke out in places like Dhaka and Chittagong after his detention, leading to violent altercations between protesters and security personnel. The country’s minority groups, particularly Hindus, who comprise about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million inhabitants, are increasingly concerned about their safety as a result of the violence.
As per the advisory, UK citizens have been specifically warned to avoid large gatherings, areas with significant police presence, and certain regions like the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It also highlighted other potential risks, including armed robbery, violent crime, and sexual violence, urging travellers to exercise heightened caution.
Parliamentarians voiced their concerns in the House of Commons on Monday about the deteriorating circumstances in Bangladesh, which also stressed the impact on religious minorities. The UK Government is closely monitoring the developments, particularly those that affect the Hindu population, Foreign Office Minister Catherine West stated. The UK would speak with Bangladesh’s interim government to emphasise the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief, she further stated.
Unrest erupted in the country on August 5 when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown amid widespread anti-government protests. These rallies, which were first triggered by discontent with a contentious job quota system, have recently evolved into targeted attacks against minorities. Since then, there have been more than 200 recorded cases of violence against Hindus.
Tensions further escalated after Chinmoy Das’s imprisonment, resulting in violent altercations and fatalities. Interim government’s key adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has not been about to put an end to the unrest yet.
The UK’s revised notice indicates growing global concern over the dangerous situation in Bangladesh, with lawmakers like Priti Patel and Barry Gardiner voicing support for affected expatriate groups and advocating for more forceful action to resolve the violence.