UK tourists heading to Bangladesh have been warned to ‘remain vigilant’ while abroad. The Foreign Office has said that terrorist attacks could take place in Bangladesh.
Brits should ‘avoid large gatherings’ and follow local advice when in the country. In an update published on Thursday (July 4), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it had made an ‘updated assessment that terrorist attacks in Bangladesh can’t be ruled out’.
It said: “There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
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“UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.” Attacks could happen in crowded areas and places where foreign nationals are known to gather, religious buildings or at political rallies
The FCDO said: “There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.
“Some groups have also targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam.” Between 2015 to 2016, groups affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent claimed responsibility for murders in Dhaka and Sylhet.
Human rights activists and secular bloggers were targeted, the FCDO said. There was an attack in 2016 claimed by Daesh – also known as Islamic State ISIL and ISIS – at the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan 2 district of Dhaka.
A total of 20 hostages died, including foreign nationals and two police officers. In 2017, Daesh claimed responsibility for bombings in multiple locations.
This included a security check post near Dhaka Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. It added: “The Bangladeshi authorities continue to disrupt planned attacks. Increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice.
“You should remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in and around police buildings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities.”