Increasing political instability and violence under the interim government so that The United States has issued a travel advisory and restrictions to Bangladesh

 Increasing political instability and violence under the interim government so that The United States has issued a travel advisory and restrictions to Bangladesh Dhaka, April 19, 2025 – The United States has once again issued a travel advisory for Bangladesh, citing ongoing political unrest, rising violence, abductions, and an increase in criminal activity. In an advisory released on Friday (April 18), the U.S. State Department has categorized all of Bangladesh as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” while placing the Chittagong Hill Tracts under the strictest “Level 4: Do Not Travel” designation.

Travel Ban on the Chittagong Hill Tracts

The advisory imposes a direct travel ban for U.S. citizens to the three districts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts—Khagrachari, Rangamati, and Bandarban—due to heightened concerns over violence, terrorism, and the targeting of religious minorities.

According to the U.S. government statement, political violence, communal tension, terrorism, and kidnappings have surged alarmingly in the hill tracts. The advisory also noted a growing number of deliberate abductions, particularly those targeting individuals involved in local disputes or belonging to religious minority groups.

Ban on U.S. Officials

The State Department also declared that U.S. diplomatic staff are entirely prohibited from traveling to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Travel to these areas now requires prior authorization from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the advisory said.

“Do not travel to these areas under any circumstances,” the statement urged. It also advised U.S. citizens to avoid protests and even peaceful gatherings, warning they can turn violent without notice.

Political Violence Under the Interim Government

The advisory raises concerns about a surge in political violence under Bangladesh’s interim government, which took power in August 2024 following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This interim administration is reportedly headed by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.

International Reaction to Hindu Leader’s Killing

The U.S. advisory comes just days after the brutal murder of Bhavesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu leader in Dinajpur district. According to local reports, the 58-year-old vice-president of the Puja Celebration Council in Biral subdistrict was abducted from his home and tortured to death on Thursday night.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a strongly worded statement in response, accusing Bangladesh’s interim government of “systemic persecution” of the Hindu minority.

“We strongly condemn this barbaric act,” India stated, adding, “We remind the interim government of its constitutional responsibility to protect all minorities.”

Key Points:

Chittagong Hill Tracts under ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ due to violence and abductions.

Entire Bangladesh placed under ‘Level 3: Reconsider Travel’.

U.S. officials banned from entering restricted areas without government clearance.

Political instability under interim government led by Muhammad Yunus cited as a concern.

International outrage over the killing of Hindu leader in Dinajpur.

The advisory reflects growing international concern over safety, governance, and minority rights in Bangladesh during a politically volatile interim government period.