To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
23open jobs
12organisations hiring
17violent events in 3 months
20deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
parliamentary republic
Bangladesh held national elections on 12 February 2026. Political rallies and demonstrations can quickly turn violent leading to clashes. During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country, which can result in fatalities.
There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities.
There have also been attacks targeting the police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.
In July and August 2024, a popular uprising led to widespread violence across Bangladesh, with many deaths and injuries.
Be alert to quickly changing situations on the streets. Stay away from protests or demonstrations, rallies and large gatherings. If you see a demonstration starting, move to a place of safety. Follow the advice of local authorities. Follow updates in local media and get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Bengali at least 99%, other indigenous ethnic groups 1% (2022 est.)
Bangla 98.8% (official, also known as Bengali), other 1.2% (2011 est.)
Muslim 91%, Hindu 8%, other 1% (2022 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
one of the fastest growing emerging market economies; strong economic rebound following COVID-19; significant poverty reduction; exports dominated by textile industry; weakened exports and remittances resulted in declining foreign exchange reserves and 2022 IMF loan request
175.7 MPopulation2025
33.2 %Urban population2025
$2,597GDP per capita2025
3.5 %GDP growth2025
8.8 %Inflation2025
5.9 %Extreme poverty (international line)2022
3.8 %Unemployment2025
79 %Adult literacy2022
53.4 %Internet users2024
99.5 %Access to electricity2024
1,178,038refugees hosted2025
67asylum seekers2025
124,303refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
1,177,962stateless people2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Armed Forces of Bangladesh (aka Bangladesh Defense Force): Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Bangladesh Air ForceMinistry of Home Affairs: Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansars, Village Defense Party (VDP) (2025)
Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B); Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS) in Bangladesh (ISB); al-Qa'ida; al-Qa'ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)
Party names as coded by UCDP, July – September 2026. "Government of …" refers to State forces.
| Actor | Events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| Supporters of Awami League | 4 | 4 |
| Supporters of BNP | 3 | 3 |
| RSO | 2 | 3 |
| PCJSS | 1 | 3 |
| UPDF | 1 | 3 |
| ARSA | 1 | 1 |
| ARA | 1 | 2 |
| Government of Bangladesh | 1 | 1 |
| Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami | 1 | 1 |
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of:
Rangamati
Khagrachari
Bandarban
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Flash floods and landslides have affected parts of Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet regions.
There is an increased risk of seasonal flooding in parts of northeast Bangladesh, including the Sylhet region, due to heavy rainfall during the pre‑monsoon period.
Flooding may occur with little warning and could disrupt transport, utilities and access to services, particularly in low‑lying and river‑adjacent areas.
Monitor local weather forecasts and updates from the Bangladesh Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and follow the advice of local authorities.
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
Bangladesh is facing energy and fuel shortages linked to global supply disruptions. The authorities have announced measures including limits on fuel sales. This may lead to transport disruption and delays in some areas. You should plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and keep up to date with local media.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
By month: July 6 · August 4 · September 7
| Region | Events | Deaths | Civilians | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chittagong | 6 | 9 | 2 | ▼ down |
| Dhaka | 6 | 6 | 0 | ▲ up |
| Khulna | 2 | 2 | 0 | ▼ down |
| Rajshahi | 2 | 2 | 0 | ▼ down |
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Bangladesh.
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. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. These attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, and places such as:
Some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam, including religious minorities.
Islamist extremist groups operate in Bangladesh.
The Bangladeshi authorities continue to disrupt planned attacks. Increases in security force presence and restrictions on movement may be put in place at short notice.
Remain aware of your surroundings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities.
Bangladesh held national elections on 12 February 2026. Political rallies and demonstrations can quickly turn violent leading to clashes. During demonstrations and strikes (‘hartals’), there can be arson, violence and vandalism in towns and cities across the country, which can result in fatalities.
There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities.
There have also been attacks targeting the police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities.
In July and August 2024, a popular uprising led to widespread violence across Bangladesh, with many deaths and injuries.
Be alert to quickly changing situations on the streets. Stay away from protests or demonstrations, rallies and large gatherings. If you see a demonstration starting, move to a place of safety. Follow the advice of local authorities. Follow updates in local media and get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
There are reports of an increase in violent crime since the popular uprising in Bangladesh in July and August 2024.
Criminal gangs operate in Dhaka and other cities. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorised rickshaws known as ‘CNGs’.
Potential threats include armed robbery, violent crime and rape.
Passengers using rickshaws, taxis, buses or trains are vulnerable to violent crime, particularly at night. Avoid using public transport if you’re travelling alone. See Transport risks.
Be alert when using and carrying your phone in public and crowded spaces. To reduce your risk, do not carry large quantities of money or wear expensive-looking jewellery or watches.
There is a risk of sexual assault, including attacks on female foreign national visitors.
Female travellers often experience verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of men. Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day. Be vigilant, particularly at night.
See advice for women travelling abroad.
There have been deaths and cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in Bangladesh.
Alcohol is strictly regulated in Bangladesh. Non-Muslim citizens over 21 and foreign visitors may drink in licensed venues with permits, while it is banned for Muslims except for medical reasons. These restrictions often lead people to seek alcohol from unlicensed sources, creating a black market, which can use methanol, and increasing the risk of methanol poisoning.
Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell. See Travel Aware Drink Spiking and Methanol Poisoning for information about how to reduce the risks.
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you are travelling with show the signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.
Dhaka international and Sylhet airports are fully operational. Check with your travel provider for updates.
Risks at Dhaka and Sylhet airports include:
To reduce your risk:
Bangladesh is a majority Muslim country. Respect the customs and laws. Make sure your actions do not cause offence.
Local officials may ask you for ID.
Carry copies of the photo page in your passport and your Bangladeshi visa. Keep the originals somewhere safe and leave copies with friends or relatives in the UK.
Both men and women should dress modestly to avoid causing offence. Women should cover their shoulders and legs in public.
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to start on the 17/18 February and last until the third week of March.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Get advice on respecting Ramadan from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should:
If you’re a British national of Bangladeshi origin, the Bangladeshi government will consider you to be a Bangladeshi citizen, even if you:
This may limit the help the UK government can offer you. For more information on Bangladeshi nationality, check with the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.
The Bangladesh Police Expatriate Help Cell offers services to foreign nationals, including dual nationals.
You may need a liquor permit to drink alcohol in Bangladesh. A liquor permit allows you to drink alcohol in government-licensed bars. Check the requirements at your local district office and apply for a permit if necessary.
There are severe penalties for possessing and trafficking illegal drugs. Some drug-related offences are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.
If you break local laws, you may get a prison sentence, served in a local prison. Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in long detentions until court hearings eventually take place. Prison conditions are far below UK standards.
British nationals detained in Bangladesh have the right to request access to British High Commission officials.
Family law in Bangladesh is very different from UK law. Always check your legal position when, for example, child custody is an issue.
The British High Commission in Dhaka cannot help British nationals of Bangladeshi origin with land or property problems.
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Bangladesh.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
If you are planning to drive in Bangladesh, see information on driving abroad.
You need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence to drive in Bangladesh. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Road accidents are common in Bangladesh due to:
Driving at night is especially dangerous as many drivers do not use headlights or use undipped headlights. There is also a risk of robbery if you travel between towns after dark. Avoid driving alone at night.
Cycle rickshaws used on main roads alongside traffic are not safe – they offer little protection if there is an accident.
Police are often unable to verify private hire drivers’ details, as driving records are often inaccurate.
Ride-hailing apps like Uber are available in Bangladesh. Uber drivers generally only accept cash payment. To make sure you get in the right car safely:
The risks of travelling by bus include:
Avoid travelling by bus alone and at night.
Due to the security situation in Bangladesh, there are frequent disruptions to air travel, often at short notice. Stay in touch with your airline. Security checks at the airport can also be slow.
The rail network is extensive but old and generally considered slow.
Rail travel risks include:
On some trains, you may be able to lock first-class compartment doors. Make sure the door is locked if you’re travelling at night.
For information see Bangladesh Railways.
River and sea ferry risks include:
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
The monsoon season runs from June to September and can cause widespread flooding and travel disruption.
If travelling, you should check:
There is a risk of tropical cyclones in Bangladesh. Check weather reports from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the World Meteorological Organization.
Around half of Bangladesh, including the cities of Moulvibazar and Sylhet, is in a high-risk earthquake zone. Other areas, including Dhaka, are at moderate risk. Tremors and earthquakes, usually minor ones, happen occasionally.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Bangladesh can be affected by tsunamis. In some cases the Bangladeshi government will issue tsunami warnings. Monitor local news and follow any advice given by local authorities.
This section has safety advice for regions of Bangladesh. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of:
Rangamati
Khagrachari
Bandarban
Chittagong City and other districts of Chittagong Division are not included in the travel warning.
Security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is a cause for concern. There are regular reports of violence and other criminal activity, particularly in more remote areas.
If you plan to travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, you must give the Bangladesh authorities 10 days’ notice.
Contact:
There are ongoing reports of increasing violence and fighting in Myanmar, close to the Bangladesh border. The situation in border areas near Myanmar remains unpredictable and may deteriorate at short notice. You should monitor local news outlets closely.
Continuing violence has resulted in hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees crossing into the south-east of Bangladesh.
Most of the refugees are in the subdistricts of Ukhia and Teknaf in the southern part of Cox’s Bazar district. There are regular reports of insecurity, protests and violence.
Teknaf has the highest level of drug-related gang violence across Bangladesh, including:
Violence has increased in the refugee camps. There is no sign that foreign nationals are being targeted.
If you plan to visit Ukhia and Teknaf, you should:
Take particular care near the border with India. There are regular reports of individuals being killed for illegally crossing the border. There are occasional skirmishes between the Indian and Bangladeshi border guards, including exchanges of gunfire.
74.9yearsLife expectancy2024
30.5per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
115per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
0.9per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.72per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2023
98.8 %Basic drinking water access2024
Source: World Health Organization, Disease Outbreak News (links for information).
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
If you suspect a heart attack, ask for a ‘cardiac ambulance’.
It may be faster to travel to the nearest hospital yourself if you have a vehicle.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Bangladesh, including:
Dengue cases are increasing, including in Dhaka. See insect bite avoidance advice on TravelHealthPro.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
You should carry any medical papers or prescriptions and be prepared to answer questions if police ask you about any medication you’re carrying.
Medical facilities in Bangladesh are poor. Routine tests and X-rays are unreliable.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Bangladesh where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Bangladesh’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bangladesh set and enforce entry rules. If you are not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.
To enter Bangladesh, your passport must have at least 2 blank pages and no damage.
See ‘Applying for a visa’ for passport validity requirements for visas.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
Make sure you get an entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. Immigration officers will check the date on your entry stamp when you leave Bangladesh. You could get a fine for overstaying.
At Bangladeshi border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual Citizenship.
Bangladesh has introduced online arrival and departure registration for foreign nationals. Travellers may be required to complete an electronic arrival card before entering Bangladesh and an electronic departure card before leaving.
You must have a visa to visit Bangladesh for up to 3 months, unless you have a ‘no visa required’ stamp in your UK passport.
If you are eligible for a visa on arrival, you may be able to pre-register online before travel. Check the latest requirements with the Bangladeshi authorities and your airline before travelling.
Apply in advance for a visa from the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date your visa starts. The visa starts from the date of issue, not the date of travel. If you plan to use Bangladesh as a hub to visit other countries in the region, make sure you get a multiple-entry visa.
The Visa on Arrival service continues to operate, including in the period before the national elections on 12 February. See Checks at the border.
You may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport. You must have a return ticket and proof of funds to apply for a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are:
If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a visa extension from the Department of Immigration and Passports.
If you are working in Bangladesh, you must get a work permit, and you’ll need an Income Tax Clearance Certificate or an Income Tax Exemption Certificate before leaving Bangladesh. You get application forms from the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh.
British nationals of Bangladeshi origin may be eligible to apply for a ‘no visa required’ stamp from the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK.
During the election period, you may face further checks at the border and be asked for additional documents such as:
Check with your travel operator for the latest information before travelling.
To enter Bangladesh, you must have certificates to prove you’ve had:
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Bangladesh guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bangladesh. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You may need to declare foreign currency or Bangladeshi taka, depending on the amount you are travelling with.
You can cash travellers cheques at banks and airports. ATMs are available in most urban areas and accept UK cards. There are fewer ATMs in rural areas.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in BangladeshFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
6 events · 6 deaths
You may be able to apply for a visa on arrival at Dhaka airport. You must have a return ticket and proof of funds to apply for a visa on arrival. Visas on arrival are:
Criminal gangs operate in Dhaka and other cities. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorised rickshaws known as ‘CNGs’.
6 events · 9 deaths · 2 civilians
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts, an area made up of the districts of:
Flash floods and landslides have affected parts of Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet regions.
2 events · 2 deaths
2 events · 2 deaths
No organised violence recorded over the period.
Flash floods and landslides have affected parts of Bangladesh, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet regions.
There is an increased risk of seasonal flooding in parts of northeast Bangladesh, including the Sylhet region, due to heavy rainfall during the pre‑monsoon period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.