More attacks on foreigners likely in Bangladesh: U.S.

State Department’s travel alert urges Americans to remain vigilant

The U.S. State Department said in a new travel alert that foreigners may be attacked again in Bangladesh and urged Americans to remain cautious and vigilant.

“Although thousands of U.S. citizens visit each year without incident, U.S. citizens residing in or travelling to Bangladesh are urged to exercise caution while in the country,” said the State Department in a travel alert on Wednesday.

“The U.S. government feels that the terror threat [in Bangladesh] remains real and credible, and further attacks are possible.”

The U.S. issued first such travel alerts after an Italian aid worker was shot dead in Dhaka on September 28 while a Japanese citizen was gunned down on October 3 in attacks claimed by the Islamic State militant group.

“Additionally, during 2015 there has been a series of threats and terrorist attacks targeting writers, publishers, and others in the media, including the murder of a U.S. citizen blogger.”

U.S. citizens travelling to or residing in Bangladesh have been urged not to travel on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, rickshaw, or other uncovered means on all public thoroughfares and sidewalks, and avoid large gatherings, including events at international hotels.

However, asked about the fresh travel alerts, spokesperson of the U.S. embassy in Dhaka was quoted by a newspaper as saying, “The alert does not reflect a new threat. The alert is intended to inform the public of the existing threat, given the increased numbers of foreigners expected to travel in the near future for large-scale public events.”