US upgrades Bangladesh travel advisory, lowers risk level
I informed Khalilur Rahman that the State Department has taken into consideration the stable conditions on the ground and has deemed that Bangladesh is safer for travel, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor says.
The United States has lowered its travel advisory for Bangladesh from Level 3 ("Reconsider Travel") to Level 2 ("Exercise Increased Caution"), with the Bangladesh government saying the move reflects growing US confidence in the country's overall security environment and stability.
In a statement issued on Thursday night (30 July), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the revised advisory indicates that Bangladesh is now considered safer for travel.
The ministry said the positive development followed a "productive" bilateral meeting in Dhaka between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor.
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According to the ministry, Gor informed the foreign minister of the decision via a text message immediately after the meeting. Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir was also present during the discussions.
In a separate message, Gor said: "This evening, I informed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman that the State Department has taken into consideration the stable conditions on the ground and has deemed that Bangladesh is safer for travel. Accordingly, the United States' overall travel advisory has been downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2. A few areas have additional restrictions and should be avoided. Great news!"
The MoFA said the improved advisory reflects growing US confidence in Bangladesh's overall security environment and stability.
"Over the past six months, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the present government has achieved visible progress in strengthening law and order across the country," the ministry said.
It added that the decision also underscores the positive trajectory of the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the United States.
"The Government of Bangladesh views this improvement as a recognition of its sustained efforts to ensure security, stability, and an enabling environment for international travel, trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity," the statement said.
