How to Stay Safe in Bangladesh

1. Introduction

Bangladesh is a South Asian nation of extraordinary natural and cultural richness, often described as one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations. Home to the Sundarbans — the world’s largest mangrove forest and habitat of the Bengal tiger — as well as Cox’s Bazar, the world’s longest natural sea beach (120km), ancient Buddhist ruins at Paharpur, and the vibrant river delta culture of Dhaka, Bangladesh offers remarkable experiences for adventurous travellers.

The country borders India on three sides and Myanmar to the southeast. The capital is Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities with over 21 million people in the greater metropolitan area. The currency is the Bangladeshi Taka (BDT). The official language is Bengali (Bangla). Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim (90%), with Hindu (9%) and smaller Christian and Buddhist minorities.

Bangladesh has a complex security environment. While most tourist areas are relatively safe, travellers should exercise heightened caution regarding terrorism threats, political violence, and natural disasters, which are recurring features of life in the country.

2. Security Landscape

2.1 Terrorism

Bangladesh experienced a significant terrorist attack in July 2016, when gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka’s Gulshan diplomatic zone, killing 22 people (mostly foreign nationals). The attack, claimed by ISIS, prompted a major security crackdown. Since then, security around diplomatic areas, international hotels, and expat zones has been substantially strengthened. The threat from homegrown Islamist groups (Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, Ansar al-Islam) remains, though the scale of attacks has been reduced.

⚠ Terrorism Awareness: Remain vigilant in crowded public places, international hotels, restaurants frequented by expatriates, and religious sites. Follow security guidance at your hotel and the advice of your embassy.

2.2 Political Violence

Bangladesh has a history of intense political rivalry between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Political crises, hartals (general strikes), and protests periodically paralyse the capital and other cities. Vehicles are sometimes targeted during strikes. Transport links can be disrupted. Monitor political news closely during your visit.

⚠ Hartals (Strikes): During hartals, transport is unreliable, businesses close, and vehicle attacks can occur. Stay in your hotel during declared hartals. Check the news daily.

2.3 Crime

Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft) is common in crowded areas of Dhaka and at tourist sites. Armed robbery, while less common, occurs, particularly at night. Sexual harassment of women travellers is a concern — female travellers should dress conservatively and avoid travelling alone after dark. Child begging gangs operate in tourist areas and around transport hubs.

3. Safe & Unsafe Areas

✔ Relatively Safe Areas: Dhaka’s Gulshan, Banani, and Baridhara districts (diplomatic zones) have strong security. Cox’s Bazar beach area is relatively safe but busy. Sylhet city and tea garden regions are generally calm. Sundarbans safari areas with guided tours are safe when booked through reputable operators.

⚠ Exercise Caution: Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) — Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban — have a history of inter-ethnic conflict. Foreigners require a permit to enter the CHT. Rohingya refugee camp areas near Cox’s Bazar (Ukhiya, Teknaf) — significant security challenges, access restricted. Old Dhaka during crowded festivals can be overwhelming and pickpocket-heavy.

4. Transportation

4.1 Dhaka Traffic

Dhaka has some of the world’s worst traffic. Journey times of 2+ hours for 10km distances are common during peak hours. CNGs (auto-rickshaws), rickshaws, buses, and ride-hailing apps (Pathao, Shohoz, Uber) are the main options. Uber operates in Dhaka and offers transparent pricing. Ensure your driver uses the meter in CNGs or agree fares in advance.

⚠ Road Safety: Bangladesh has a very high road accident rate. Overloaded buses, poor road conditions, and reckless driving are significant risks. Avoid night travel by road wherever possible.

4.2 Intercity Travel

The Bangladesh railway network is slow but relatively safe and scenic. Air-conditioned express trains (Shobhon Shital, Sonar Bangla Express) connect Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet, and Rajshahi in reasonable comfort. Domestic flights operate from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Jessore, and Barisal. River ferries are popular — Rocket paddle steamers operate on the Dhaka-Barisal-Morrelganj route and offer a unique experience, though safety standards are variable.

⚠ Ferry Safety: Bangladesh experiences deadly ferry sinkings, often during cyclone season (April-May, October-November). Check weather conditions before boarding. Ensure life jackets are on board.

5. Health & Medical

Medical facilities in Dhaka include some private hospitals with reasonable standards (Square Hospital, United Hospital, Labaid Hospital) but are significantly below Western norms for serious conditions. Outside Dhaka, facilities are very basic. Medical evacuation insurance is strongly recommended.

Bangladesh has a significant disease burden. Key health risks: dengue fever (year-round, peaks June-September); cholera (particularly during and after floods); typhoid; hepatitis A and E; malaria (low risk in most areas but present in CHT and Sylhet border areas); Japanese encephalitis (rural areas). Arsenic contamination of groundwater is widespread in rural areas — use bottled or filtered water only. Air quality in Dhaka is extremely poor, particularly in winter (November-February) — those with respiratory conditions should take appropriate precautions.

✔ Vaccinations: Ensure current vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, Japanese encephalitis (if visiting rural areas), and rabies (if outdoor activities planned). Carry strong DEET repellent for dengue prevention.

6. Natural Hazards

⚠ Cyclones: Bangladesh is one of the world’s most cyclone-prone countries. Cyclone season runs April-May and October-November. Coastal areas (Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Barisal) are most vulnerable. Monitor Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts. Follow all evacuation instructions from local authorities.

Flooding affects Bangladesh annually, typically June-October. Even Dhaka can experience severe flooding. Flash floods occur in the CHT. River bank erosion is a constant geographic feature. Earthquakes — while less frequent, Bangladesh sits on active fault lines. Dhaka is considered at seismic risk.

7. Common Scams & Threats

Scam Name	How It Works	How to Avoid It
CNG/Rickshaw Overcharging	Drivers quote extremely inflated fares to tourists who don’t know local rates.	Use Uber/Pathao apps in Dhaka. For CNGs, the meter is mandatory — insist on it. Short local rickshaw rides should cost BDT 30-100.
Gem Stone Scam	Strangers approach tourists claiming they can make a profit by carrying gems to sell abroad.	This is a classic scam — ignore all gem offers from strangers, regardless of how convincing the story.
Hotel Bait & Switch	A tout leads tourists to a hotel different from the one they requested, earning a commission.	Book accommodation directly online before arrival. Do not follow touts from the airport.
Fake Charities & Children	Organised beggar networks use children to solicit money from tourists.	Donate to registered NGOs rather than street collectors.
Money Changing Fraud	Informal money changers at airports/tourist sites give poor rates or counterfeit bills.	Use official exchange counters at the airport or banks.
Photography Troubles	Police may confront tourists photographing government buildings, military, or bridges.	Always ask permission before photographing sensitive infrastructure. Bridges and water treatment facilities are considered sensitive in Bangladesh.
Border Area Scams	Near the India-Bangladesh border crossings, touts charge for unnecessary ‘facilitation services.’	Use official customs agents only. You do not need to pay unofficial facilitators.
Sundarban Fake Operators	Unlicensed ‘operators’ sell Sundarbans tours without proper boats, guides, or government permits.	Book Sundarbans tours only through Forest Department-licensed operators in Khulna or Mongla.

8. Legal & Cultural Considerations

Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country. Women travellers should dress conservatively throughout the country — loose trousers or salwar kameez and covered shoulders are appropriate outside tourist beach areas. Alcohol is available in upscale hotels and dedicated liquor stores but is not available in most public areas. Public drinking is frowned upon. Friday is the main holy day — many businesses close on Friday mornings.

Photographing people, especially women, without permission is considered disrespectful. Political commentary critical of the government can attract unwanted attention. Criticism of Islam is illegal. LGBTQ+ relationships are illegal under Bangladeshi law (Section 377, Bangladesh Penal Code) — complete discretion is essential.

⚠ CHT Permit: Foreign tourists require a permit to visit the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban). Apply through your home country’s Bangladesh embassy or through a licensed tour operator. Travelling without a permit can result in detention.

9. Emergency Contacts

Service	Number / Details
Police Emergency	999
Fire Service	999 / 16163
Ambulance	199
National Emergency Service	999
Square Hospital Dhaka	+880 2 8159457
United Hospital Dhaka	+880 2 8836000
UK High Commission Dhaka	+880 2 5566 2000
US Embassy Dhaka	+880 2 5566 2000
Indian High Commission Dhaka	+880 2 9880026
Bangladesh Tourism Board	+880 2 223380671

10. Safety Checklist

• Check current travel advisories and political situation before travelling
• Obtain CHT permit in advance if planning to visit hill tracts
• Use Uber or Pathao apps for transport in Dhaka
• Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance including medical evacuation
• Carry DEET repellent — dengue is year-round
• Use bottled or filtered water only — groundwater may contain arsenic
• Dress conservatively, particularly outside major hotels and tourist beach areas
• Monitor weather forecasts for cyclones if travelling June-November
• Book Sundarbans tours only through licensed Forest Department operators
• Avoid travel by road at night wherever possible
• Keep a photocopy of passport and visa separate from originals
• Register with your embassy’s travel registry
• Check ferry safety conditions before boarding any river vessel
• Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone