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ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 240239Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHFSI/DIR FSINFATC IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEHPH/CDC ATLANTA IMMEDIATE 7217
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RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ2-JIT// IMMEDIATE
RUCPCIM/CIM NTDB WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/COGARD INTELCOORDCEN WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFIUU/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL IMMEDIATE
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI IMMEDIATE 4832
INFO RUESBKC/ATO ASIA IMMEDIATE 1788

UNCLAS STATE 134230 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC BG
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT - BANGLADESH 
 
¶1.  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the 
risks of travel to Bangladesh, and urges caution while 
traveling during the period before and after the upcoming 
election on December 29.  This Travel Alert expires on 
January 5, 2009. 
 
¶2.  On December 17, 2008, the Government of Bangladesh 
lifted a State of Emergency that had been in place since 
January 11, 2007.  With the December 29 national election 
approaching, political parties have begun to organize 
large gatherings and election rallies throughout the 
country.  Large gatherings in Bangladesh, including those 
organized for campaigning purposes, in the past have 
erupted in violence.  Several newspapers also have 
reported terrorist threats focused on the elections. 
With these developments in mind, the U.S. Embassy advises 
U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Bangladesh to 
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take 
appropriate steps to review their security awareness. 
 
¶3.  The security situation in Bangladesh can be fluid, 
and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy 
for the latest information.  U.S. citizens are reminded 
that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can 
quickly and unexpectedly escalate into violence. 
American citizens therefore are urged to avoid the areas 
of demonstrations if possible and to exercise caution if 
within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  U.S. citizens 
should monitor media coverage of local events and be 
aware of their surroundings at all times.  Information 
regarding demonstrations in Bangladesh can be found on 
the U.S. Embassy Dhaka's web site at 
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.  The Government of 
Bangladesh has stated it may suspend cell phone coverage 
during this period.  Landlines, however, should not be 
affected.  The Embassy will remain open during elections. 
 
¶4.  Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular 
Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated 
information on the current political situation.  The U.S. 
Embassy is located approximately four miles south of Zia 
International Airport, and five miles north of downtown 
in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, 
Dhaka, telephone (88-02) 885-5500, fax number (88-02) 
882-3744.  The Consular Section is open for American 
Citizens Services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. 
to 4:00 p.m.  For emergency services and general 
information during business hours, please call (88-02) 
882-3805.  For emergency services after hours, please 
call (88-02) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer. 
 
¶5.  For the latest security information, Americans 
traveling abroad should regularly review the Department 
of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at 
http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings 
and Travel Alerts 
 , including the Worldwide Caution 
, can be found.  Americans traveling to or living in 
Bangladesh who are registered at the U.S. Embassy will 
receive updated security information about Bangladesh via 
e-mail.  All Demonstration Notices and Warden Messages 
are posted on the Embassy's web site at 
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.  Up-to-date information on 
safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1- 
888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, 
or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a 
regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are 
available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 
 
¶6.  Minimize considered. 
RICE