Bangladesh Country Report

Bangladesh is developing country in South Asia. It has shown economic progress since independence, notably due to its manufacturing sector, although stability has been elusive due a fractious political environment. Antagonism between the Awami League-led government and the opposition has been a recurrent source of tension and outbreaks of violence. Corruption and a weak rule of law have also adversely affected business activity and the investment climate.

The main threat to travelers is from petty and opportunistic crime. Bangladesh has also faced a growing threat from Islamist terrorism in recent years, experiencing multiple attacks. Civil and labor unrest are frequent and can cause disruptions nationwide. Since mid-2017, the Rohingya migrant crisis in the country's southeast has escalated, although concerns over unrest and insecurity have mostly been limited to along the border with Myanmar. Parts of Bangladesh are prone to powerful earthquakes and storm systems. Weak implementation of safety regulations and an inadequate emergency response capability increase the risk of widespread devastation.

There is a moderate risk of conflict due to the presence of home-grown militant and guerrilla groups in various parts of the country as well as prevailing heightened tensions between indigenous groups and the government in the Chittagong Hills Tracts area; the Rohyinga refugee crisis does not pose a major conflict threat as of yet. In addition, there is a high threat of terrorism due to growing Islamist radicalism as well as the presence of transnational terror and militant groups. Similarly, crime rates are high, with foreign travelers facing a credible risk of exposure to petty and opportunistic crime, notably in major cities. Furthermore, episodes of civil and labor unrest occur with regularity, notably in Dhaka and major cities, and the risk of violence erupting during these mobilisations is assessed to be moderate-to-high, especially when security personnel intervene.

There are safety concerns over air and land travel.

There is limited access to electricity, and Internet speeds are slow. However, mobile coverage is considered adequate.

Cyber-crime is also growing problem amidst an increase in dependency on online financial transactions.

There is a high likelihood of powerful cyclones from April to May and between October and December, notably in coastal communities, whilst heavy downpours occur with high frequency during the monsoon season. Similarly, there is a credible threat of earthquakes, notably in the northern and southeastern regions, as well as tsunamis along the coastlines. Groundwater from the alluvial Ganges aquifers in southern and southwestern Bangladesh is naturally contaminated with arsenic; exposure is likely to lead to health problems like cancer and skin lesions. Landmines pose a considerable threat, particularly in the areas near the border with Myanmar.

Mosquito-borne diseases present the main health-related threat in the country. Medical care is minimal and does not meet international standards, while access to medicines is limited to hospitals, clinics, and major pharmacies primarily located in urban centers. Water is unsafe to drink unless boiled.

The Awami League (AL)-led government is constantly defending itself against the opposition’s threats to oust the administration, and heightened political tension is unlikely to improve through the medium-term. High levels of corruption and weak rule of law are also a concern.