US Raises Bangladesh Travel Advisory to Highest Level Amid Civil Unrest

The U.S. State Department has elevated its travel advisory for Bangladesh to level four, urging citizens to avoid travel due to ongoing civil unrest driven by student protests. The department also authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel. Protests stem from quotas in government jobs favoring independence war veterans' families.

The U.S. State Department announced on Saturday the elevation of Bangladesh's travel advisory to level four, urging individuals not to travel to the country due to ongoing 'civil unrest' linked to widespread protests.

This move includes the authorization for voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families from Bangladesh. Just a day before, the department had advised reconsidering travel plans to the country.

The protests in Bangladesh have been fueled by student anger over government job quotas favoring 1971 Independence War veterans' families. Amid the unrest, the government deployed the army, imposed a curfew, and restricted communications. The violent clashes have led to numerous deaths.

(With inputs from agencies.)