DHAKA, Bangladesh — The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka has urged American citizens in Bangladesh to exercise heightened caution amid escalating unrest following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the radical Inqilab Mancha group.
Hadi died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore after battling critical injuries for six days. His death was confirmed Thursday night by interim government Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in a national address.
According to media reports cited by the U.S. Embassy, Hadi’s body was expected to arrive in Dhaka on Friday evening. Funeral prayers are likely to be held Saturday on Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the National Parliament Building.
“Extremely heavy traffic is expected in the area and throughout Dhaka. Large spontaneous or planned gatherings are likely throughout Bangladesh,” the embassy said in an advisory.
“Individuals are encouraged to review scheduled travel through and around Dhaka during the above-listed timeframes and allow additional time for possible delays. U.S. citizens should practice vigilance and remember that gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings,” it added.
The warning comes as violence has flared across the country following Hadi’s death, raising concerns over public safety and crowd control.
Separately, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has issued a travel advisory urging British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The advisory cited ongoing reports of violence and criminal activity, particularly in remote areas.
“Bangladesh will observe a National Day of Mourning on Saturday, 20 December. Pay close attention to local information and follow guidance,” the advisory said.
Bangladesh has seen a sharp deterioration in law and order in recent weeks, with critics pointing to rising instability under the Yunus-led interim government. (Source: IANS)
