U.S. State Department Raises Bangladesh Travel Advisory Amid Civil Unrest

The U.S. State Department has raised its travel advisory for Bangladesh to level three due to ongoing civil unrest caused by protests against job quotas. The clashes have resulted in dozens of deaths, leading to increased security measures and operational restrictions for U.S. Embassy staff.

The U.S. State Department announced on Saturday that it has elevated Bangladesh's travel advisory to level three, urging travelers to reconsider plans to visit the Asian nation due to ongoing civil unrest amid widespread protests.

The protests have erupted over the allocation of 30% of government jobs to families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan, sparking massive demonstrations, violent clashes, and a stringent government response. Police have used tear gas, banned public gatherings, restricted communications, deployed the army in certain areas, and imposed a curfew, resulting in dozens of fatalities over the past week.

The U.S. State Department warned that due to the security situation, there may be delays in providing routine consular services. The United States and Canada have both called on Bangladesh to uphold the right to peaceful protest and expressed concern over the recent violence. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced the formation of a judicial committee to investigate the killings.

(With inputs from agencies.)