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Messages from the Embassy
 
Demonstration Notices, Messages to U.S. citizens, and other important communications are disseminated to American citizens in Bangladesh by means of the Warden System.  The Warden System is a network of American volunteers who assist the Embassy in rapidly disseminating official U.S. Government information to American citizens in Bangladesh during emergencies.  Receipt of such information, particularly in the absence of functional telecommunications systems, has been critical for Americans during past emergencies.
The three primary forms of communication you will receive through the Warden System are Messages to U.S. Citizens, Emergency Messages to U.S. Citizens and Demonstration Notices.  Messages to U.S. Citizens are routine but important messages such as voting news, change in business hours, outreach trip information, or newsletters.  Emergency Messages to U.S. citizens are designed to alert American citizens to specific information pertaining to security concerns or other critical information that would affect that safety and security of American citizens traveling and residing in Bangladesh.  Demonstration Notices are a special class of message to U.S. citizens that are designed to alert American citizens to a probable demonstration over a fixed period of time at a particular location.  This information is conveyed so that you can take appropriate action to provide for your own safety and security.
The Warden System is a system composed of volunteers and administered by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.  We rely on dedicated individuals to volunteer to provide this invaluable service to their fellow Americans.  If you will be in Bangladesh for an extended or indefinite period of time and would like volunteer to serve as a Warden, please contact the ACS Unit at (880) (2) 882-3805.

The American Citizen Services unit of the United States Embassy Dhaka periodically sends messages to U.S. citizens who enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  The primary methods for sending messages to our enrolled U.S. citizens are through emails and/or short text messages (SMS).  In the absence of functional telecommunications systems during a disaster, the Embassy will disseminate important messages to U.S. citizens by means of the Warden System. Wardens assist the Consular Section by alerting U.S. citizens to emergency situations and passing on information from the Embassy or the Department of State. The Consular Section relies on dedicated individuals to volunteer to provide this invaluable service to their fellow U.S. citizens. If you will be in Bangladesh for an extended or indefinite period of time and would like volunteer to serve as a warden, please contact the ACS Unit at DhakaACS@state.gov.    

Recent messages from the U.S. Embassy    

February 13, 2013: Demonstration Notice: Violence reported in Motijheel area and Demonstration reported on Progoti Sharani today, February 13, 2013

Ongoing violence is being reported in the Motijheel area today. Gunshots and small, homemade explosives (cocktails) are being used.

Group of about 100-150 people holding signs across the street from the U.S. Embassy's GSO Annex on Progoti Sharani. Calling for death penalty for ICT convicts. 

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow
instructions of local authorities.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangladesh enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step.  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution.  Read the Country Specific Information for Bangladesh at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. embassy, Dhaka for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smart-traveler/id442693988?mt=8 to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy will be open for business as normal on this date.  The regular work week for the American Citizen Services Unit is Sunday through Wednesday, 08:00-16:00 hours.  Emergency American Citizens Services are available at all times.  The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka is located at Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh 1212, and by telephone at (88) (02) 882-3805 during regular hours.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (88) (02) 885-5500.  For after-hours emergency services please press “0” and ask for the duty officer.

Please monitor the local media for updates.  English language local news is available on the following channels at the following times: 

BTV:               10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. 
ATN Bangla:     9:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. 
ATN News:       7:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.
NTV:      Airs the VOA program “Washington Barta” every Friday at 00:30.
Bangla Vision:  6:00 p.m.
Boishakhi:        9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Maasranga:      5:00 p.m.
Independent: 10:00 p.m.
Diganta:           6:00 p.m.  
ABC Radio:       Broadcasts English bulletins at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

American Citizens Services
U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh

February 4, 2013: Message for U.S. citizens: U.S. Embassy closed on February 17 and 21, 2013

The U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh will be closed on the following days:

February 17, 2013, Sunday, in observance of President’s Day, an American holiday.

February 21, 2013, Thursday, in observance of Martyr’s Day, a Bangladeshi holiday.