NZ government advice for Bangladesh

When travelling to Bangladesh, you should always get travel insurance in case the worst happens. To help you ensure you travel safely, we have included the travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Bangladesh.

There is high risk to your security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to this region due to the high risk of kidnapping and unstable security situation.

There is some risk to your security elsewhere in Bangladesh due to the unpredictable security and political situation and threat from terrorism and we advise caution.

Bangladesh has a history of politically motivated violence. There were some incidents of violence after the Bangladesh general elections in December 2008.

Demonstrations and rallies, nationwide strikes (hartals) and localised industrial disputes can occur almost anywhere with little notice and develop into violent confrontations and civil disorder. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political demonstrations, rallies and large public gatherings as they could turn violent with little warning, monitor the local media for information and follow any advice and instructions issued by the local authorities. New Zealanders should also exercise a high degree of personal security awareness at all times.

There is a threat from terrorism in Bangladesh. In recent years there have been a number of terrorist incidents. In May 2007, three bombs exploded at railway stations in Dhaka, Sylhet and Chittagong. In December 2006, an explosive device exploded in the Dhaka University Campus area. Possible terrorist targets include (but are not limited to) government and judicial buildings, markets, shopping malls, cinemas, shrines, public transport facilities, cultural events and political gatherings.

Piracy is a problem in the waters of the Indian Subcontinent. In Bangladesh pirates are targeting ships preparing to anchor, particularly at Chittagong anchorages and approaches. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures in these waters. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau's piracy report .

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Bangladesh should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies that include provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders travelling or resident in Bangladesh are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

See our regional advice for South Asia

Britain - United States - Canada - Australia

For current health alerts

The New Zealand High Commission New Delhi, India is accredited to Bangladesh

Contact details are:

S treet Address : Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India
Telephone : +91 11 4688 3170 Facsimile : +91 11 2688 3165
Email : newzealandhc@bol.net.in
Website : New Zealand High Commission New Delhi [external link]
Office Hours : Mon - Fri 0830 - 1700 hrs

Contact details are:

Street Address: Bashoti Horizon, Flat No B-3, 3rd floor, Plot 21, Road - 17, Banani, Dhaka - 1213.
Telephone: +880 2 8861947 Facsimile: +880 2 8861948
Email: neaz.nz.hon.consul@gmail.com