Britons asked to minimise exposure in crowded areas in Bangladesh

The United Kingdom recently issued an updated travel advisory for Britons, asking them to “remain vigilant, monitor local and social media and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities to avoid certain areas”. On July 1, terrorists stormed Holey Artisan Bakery in the diplomatic zone of Gulshan, killing 20 hostages, 17 of whom were foreign nationals. Two police officials were also killed in the attack. “There is a heightened threat of further terrorist attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate although foreigners, in particular westerners, may be directly targeted,” said the travel advice posted on the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on Tuesday. Because the Holey attack soon turned into a hostage situation, the authorities have also specifically advised its citizens not to visit any crowded areas where foreign nationals are known to congregate as these places are at a higher risk of being attacked. The advisory have asked Britons to minimise their exposure to such areas and consider their movements carefully. Following the attack, a number of countries instructed their citizens currently residing in Bangladesh to stay vigilant. Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) is actively considering sending back the family members of their staff considering the existing situation in the country as critical. In an interview with BBC Bangla, EU Ambassador to Dhaka Pierre Mayaudon on Wednesday said they are considering sending back their staff members’ families due to the current security concern. The final decision will be taken within the next few days, he said.