Bangladesh gears up for its 13th national polls and referendum on February 12, but a troubling rise in assaults and threats has led the US Embassy to sound the alarm. Friday’s advisory calls on Americans to brace for disruptions, including clashes at political events and potential extremist hits on sacred spaces.
‘Remember, peaceful rallies can erupt into violence,’ it warns, listing risks to rallies, booths, temples, churches, mosques, and other worship areas. Citizens should shun protests, monitor media, and remain alert. Transport bans—motorcycles from February 10, everything else February 11-12—will curtail embassy access in Dhaka on voting days.
The violence exploded with campaigning: targeted shootings, slashings, brawls, and destruction claiming lives, including minority Hindus. Per the Dhaka Tribune, looters hit campaign infrastructure—tents, sound systems, offices, vehicles, and polling CCTVs—while candidates report dire threats in police diaries.
This crime wave imperils the vote’s integrity, sparking nationwide anxiety. From urban Dhaka to rural pockets, clashes have wounded many and killed innocents, often along communal lines. The US Embassy’s proactive alert underscores global concern, pressing Bangladeshi leaders to clamp down on anarchy. As election day nears, restoring calm is paramount to ensuring a fair contest and upholding democratic norms in this vital South Asian democracy.