US Embassy in Dhaka issues alert ahead of Bangladesh election | World News

As Bangladesh prepares for upcoming elections, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a security alert regarding possible political violence during the election season and urged American citizens to remain vigilant.

A post published Friday on

The post shared a statement made by the US Embassy in Dhaka advising people to avoid large crowds and demonstrations, be aware of their surroundings, follow local news, remain alert, lay low, carry a charged cell phone for emergency communications, review personal safety plans, and plan alternative travel routes.

Earlier on Thursday, the Interim Government of Bangladesh expressed deep concern over the recent incident of violence in Sherpur, which resulted in the death of a political activist belonging to the Jamaat-e-Islami party. The Press Wing Chief Advisor said any loss of life due to violence is unacceptable and deeply regrettable.

With national elections just two weeks away, the government has appealed to all political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, to demonstrate responsible leadership and ensure restraint among their supporters. He added that violence, intimidation and loss of life have no place in a democratic process.

The statement called on all parties, leaders and campaigners to play their part in preserving peace, respecting the rule of law and engaging voters in peaceful and constructive ways. The future of the nation depends on the tranquility, discipline and democratic behavior of all parties.

It was stated that the Interim Government remains determined to ensure peaceful, free and fair elections.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council in its statement requested the election commission to create a level playing field and create a positive environment so that religious and ethnic minority voters can go to polling stations without hindrance, ban the use of religion and communalism in election campaigns, ban the use of religious places for election campaigning, and treat religious hate speech, statements, spreading false rumors or such propaganda as punishable offenses.

As the elections approach, the Bangladesh Election Commission said it is its duty to protect the voting rights of minorities and ensure that the elections are peaceful.

Senior Deputy Secretary Matiur Rahman said, “Our intelligence agencies have already collected information on possible vulnerabilities in the region. The Election Commission has put in place preventive measures to ensure that no one disrupts the process or harms the voting of any group, including minorities. All institutions are performing their duties as per the instructions. I can safely say that I think no one can interfere with the voting.”

Rahman said Bangladesh EC has taken all steps to ensure free and fair elections.