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The US State Department has issued a 'public announcement' to alert American citizens in view of the security situation in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
"This public announcement is being issued to alert US citizens to recent events related to the security situation in Bangladesh," the State Department said in its website monitored here Thursday.
Those residing in or traveling to Bangladesh are urged to exercise extra caution while in the country, it said, adding this public announcement will expire on March 21, 2006.
It reminded that an outlawed Islamist terrorist organisation, Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), has taken responsibility for a series of bombings and suicide attacks in Bangladesh since August against a variety of targets.
The half-dozen attacks have focused on the judicial system and local government institutions killing approximately 30 Bangladeshis and wounding nearly 200, it said.
JMB leaflets found at attack sites and sent to local media call for the implementation of strict Islamic law in Bangladesh, justify the use of indiscriminate suicide attacks, and condemn Western social and political concepts as un-Islamic. They also identify the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom as enemies of Islam. Newspapers and Bangladeshi non-governmental organisations, including several which receive funding from the United States Government, have received threats purportedly from JMB.
So far, no American citizen has been killed or wounded in these attacks.
The Embassy advises all Americans in or traveling to Bangladesh to take extra care and precaution while going out in public and to be cognizant of the current situation. US citizens in Bangladesh should remain vigilant, especially if visiting courts or municipal government offices.
US citizens visiting or resident in Bangladesh are encouraged to register with the US Embassy, where they may obtain updated information on travel and security within Bangladesh.
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