Bangladesh Travel Safety

Precautions

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Limit your attendance at events where a large number of people, including foreigners, may gather, including at: outdoor recreation and cultural events, places of worship, festivals, hotels and conference centres. Be particularly vigilant during religious holidays and if attending sporting events and public celebrations. Terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.

General safety

Tourist facilities are inadequate. Water supply is also inconsistent and several areas of the country can go for days without any water. Planned power cuts are a daily occurrence in most parts of the country and can last for many hours.

Road safety

Road safety and road conditions are poor. Many vehicles operate without headlights or with full high beams. Traffic in urban areas is extremely congested and chaotic. Road accidents causing injuries or death are common. In the event of a serious accident where you could be deemed at fault, immediately make your way to a police station. If you cannot move your vehicle, lock your doors and windows and call for police. Crowds, which can turn hostile, have been known to gather around the scene of such accidents. Road travel is dangerous and you should avoid it, particularly after dark.

Identification

You must carry a photocopy of your passport in case local authorities ask to verify your identification.

Taxis

Always arrange taxis through your hotel or other trusted establishment. Only use registered taxis.

Marine transportation

Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy. Ferry accidents are common in Bangladesh due to the overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels.

Public transportation

Exercise caution when using public transportation, including buses, trains and ferries, due to poor safety standards.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. In addition, don't flash money or valuables in public. Doing so may make you a potential victim of criminal activity.

Fraud

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards, pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business, avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature, cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements. There have been incidents of credit card fraud at ATMs and with merchants in Dhaka.

Crime

Violent crimes such as armed robberies and rapes occur. Pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging are common, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and foreigners. Thieves target rickshaw, CNG (motorized rickshaw) and taxi passengers, particularly around dusk. They are also present on trains, ferries and long-distance buses on major roads between towns. Cases of abduction for ransom have occurred, though they rarely involve foreigners.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. There have been numerous attacks on individuals and groups, including religious minorities. The attacks have resulted in multiple casualties. Further attacks are likely. Targets could include:government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners.

Culture

The workweek in Bangladesh is from Sunday to Thursday. Bangladesh customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Bangladesh culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Bangladeshi law prohibits sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Other related offences include being in a same-sex marriage and promoting homosexuality. Those who convicted can face lenghty imprisonment. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Bangladesh.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can face life imprisonment or a death sentence.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. You must carry an International Driving Permit.