The US State Department has assessed Dhaka as a “high-threat” location for political violence, terrorist activities and crimes directed at or affecting Washington’s “official interests”.
The department, which deals with America’s global policies, made the assessment on Bangladesh in the 2017 Crime and Safety Report prepared and released by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) on Wednesday.
This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the US Embassy in Dhaka, which touched upon vital issues on Bangladesh including travel health and safety, transportation security, terrorism, political violence, crime, maritime, anti-American sentiments, religious violence and employee health safety.
On terrorism threats, the report says the State Department alerts US citizens to concerns about ongoing potential for extremist violence in Bangladesh. It urges the US citizens who travel to Bangladesh to exercise appropriate cautions and maintain a high level of vigilance in light of the recent violent attacks.
Although thousands of US citizens visit Bangladesh every year without any incidents, the US has asked its citizens residing in or travelling to Bangladesh to exercise caution while in the country.
“The US government assesses that the terrorist threat remains real and credible, and further attacks are possible,” the report adds.
On other areas of concern, it says the Bangladesh government is sensitive to travelling in the Chittagong Hills Tracts.
About crime threats in Bangladesh, the report further says financial scam, vehicle theft and petty drug crimes comprise the majority of criminal activities in Dhaka and other major cities.
However, there is no indication that foreigners have been or are being targeted because of their nationality, the report observes.
About transportation safety situation, it says there is very little enforcement of traffic laws, which leads to daily traffic congestion and overall gridlock in urban areas. Drivers must be vigilant, aware and patient. It is not uncommon to see vehicles travelling the wrong direction or commuters hanging out of buses.
According to the report, the US Federal Aviation Administration has assessed Bangladesh’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of its air carrier operations.
http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/dhaka-still-high-threat-location-1355848