Travel alerts for Westerns after Dhaka incident

Canada has joined the United States and the United Kingdom in issuing travel alerts for their nationals while visiting or staying in Bangladesh, following the killing of an Italian citizen in Dhaka on Monday.

The European Union’s ambassador to Bangladesh on Tuesday condemned in the strongest possible terms the assasination of Cesare Tavella, for which Islamic State reportedly claimed responsibility.

Cesare Tavella, the Italian national was shot thrice, post-mortem report says. Photo: Collected
Cesare Tavella, the Italian national was shot thrice, post-mortem report says. Photo: Collected

The US state department issued security message for US citizens in Dhaka advising them to review security.

“The US embassy in Dhaka advises US citizens resident in Bangladesh to review their security practices and take whatever precautions they determine are prudent. As always, remain vigilant regarding your personal security and be alert to local security developments. It’s always advisable to keep your security and situational awareness levels high,” according to the message.

The incident of killing of the Italian citizen took place only two days after Canberra delayed the Bangladesh tour of Australian cricket team in view of potential security threats that may come from militants.

Cricket Australia, meanwhile, recalled its security team which was visiting Bangladesh to discuss the security issues that are relevant for the visit of the cricket team.

On Tuesday, Canada updated its security alert for its citizens in Bangladesh following similar alerts isssued by the US and the UK the day before.

The Canadian government in its official website mentioned that there is a ‘threat of terrorism’ in Bangladesh.

“At the end of September 2015, the Australian and United Kingdom governments informed their citizens that there is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Western interests in Bangladesh,” it mentioned.

The British government issued a travel alert claiming that ‘militants’ may be targeting western interests in Bangladesh in late September.

“There’s general threat from terrorism. Attacks can’t be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners,” reads the UK foreign travel advice.

As of late September 2015 there is reliable information that ‘militants’ may be planning to target western interests in Bangladesh, it claimed.

“UK officials have been advised to limit their attendance at events where westerners may gather, for example in hotels or conference centres.

“There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria,” it mentioned.

-Prothom Alo


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