UK tourists warned to 'remain vigilant' on Bangladesh travel
UK tourists heading to Bangladesh have been warned to 'remain vigilant' while abroad. The Foreign Office has said that terrorist attacks could take place in Bangladesh.
Brits should 'avoid large gatherings' and follow local advice when in the country. In an update published on Thursday, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said it had made an 'updated assessment that terrorist attacks in Bangladesh can't be ruled out'.
It said: "There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
"UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad." Attacks could happen in crowded areas and places where foreign nationals are known to gather, religious buildings or at political rallies, reports Birmingham Mail.
The FCDO said: "There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.
"Some groups have also targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam." Between 2015 to 2016, groups affiliated to Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent claimed responsibility for murders in Dhaka and Sylhet.
Human rights activists and secular bloggers were targeted, the FCDO said. There was an attack in 2016 claimed by Daesh - also known as Islamic State ISIL and ISIS - at the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan 2 district of Dhaka.