Safety and security

Political unrest

You should avoid demonstrations and be cautious when travelling in Bangladesh. There is a strong and visible security presence on the streets of Dhaka.

If you’re travelling to Bangladesh, always keep yourself informed of what’s going on around you by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your local contact, hotel or tour organiser. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings, which can sometimes turn violent.

Terrorism

There's a continuing threat from terrorism in Bangladesh and indiscriminate terrorist attacks could be made against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates.

Attacks include the terrorist attack in Gulshan, the diplomatic area of Dhaka in July 2016 that resulted in the death of 20 hostages and 2 police officers and which primarily targeted the expatriate community.

Crime

Crime remains relatively low in Bangladesh but you should take sensible precautions: 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Travel between towns after dark, by train, bus or ferry, is particularly risky because of banditry.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Bangladesh, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in New Delhi if you need help.

Driving

If you're planning to drive in Bangladesh, you should be extremely careful. Road safety is very poor and traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas.

If you want to drive:

• Bring your international driving licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• Be aware that drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given right of way
• Pedestrians and rickshaws cross the road without looking
• Many vehicles are unlit at night, or travel on full-beam headlights

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms. Some drugs-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

Muslim culture

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in Bangladesh’s customs, laws and regulations. Use common sense and discretion in your behaviour. All visitors should dress modestly to avoid giving offence and women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or trousers.

You should respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. During Ramadan, you should refrain from drinking, eating and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Homosexuality is illegal in Bangladesh. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquake

Bangladesh is in a high-risk earthquake zone. If you’re travelling to or living in Bangladesh, make sure you know what to do in the event of an earthquake.

Flooding

There’s widespread flooding during the monsoon season between June and September, which disrupts travel, especially in rural areas. You should check that routes are passable before setting out on long journeys.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens need a visa to travel to Bangladesh. Further information on how to apply for a visa can be found from the Bangladesh High Commission in London. 

Passports should have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry to Bangladesh. It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for Bangladesh. If you have a pre-existing health condition, check with your doctor before travelling.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are extremely poor and routine tests and X-rays are unreliable. You must have suitable medical insurance and be prepared to travel outside Bangladesh for treatment.

Malaria

Malaria is usually restricted to specific rural areas, especially the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Some over-the-counter prophylactics offer no protection. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up and using mosquito repellents.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is common in towns, including Dhaka. Over-the-counter prophylactics offer no protection. Avoiding mosquito bites by covering up and using mosquito repellents is the only way to protect against Dengue fever.