US lowers travel advisory for Bangladesh to level 2 following Special Envoy Sergio Gor's visit
Dhaka, July 31
The United States on Thursday updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh following the US Special Envoy to South and Central Asia Sergio Gor's first visit to Bangladesh.
The Overall Travel Advisory has been changed from Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) to Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), which reflects that Bangladesh is safer for travel, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday. The development follows the productive bilateral meeting held in Dhaka today between the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Khalilur Rahman, and Sergio Gor, Special Envoy to the President of the United States. Immediately after the meeting, Sergio Gor conveyed the matter to the Hon'ble Foreign Minister through a text message, it added.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humaiun Kobir, was present during the discussions. The improvement in the Travel Advisory reflects growing US confidence in Bangladesh's overall security environment and stability. Over the past six months, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the present government has achieved visible progress in strengthening law and order across the country.
The decision also underscores the positive trajectory of the longstanding partnership between Bangladesh and the United States, the statement said.
The Government of Bangladesh views this improvement as a recognition of its sustained efforts to ensure security, stability, and an enabling environment for international travel, trade, investment, and people-to-people connectivity, the statement said.
The US Special Envoy to South and Central Asia also announced the development during his visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
"This evening I informed Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman that the State Department has taken into consideration the stable conditions on the ground, and has deemed that Bangladesh is safer for travel. Accordingly, the United States overall travel advisory has been downgraded from level 3 to level 2. A few areas have additional restrictions and should be avoided. Great news!" Gor wrote in a post on X.
Following his arrival on Thursday, Gor wrote, "Just arrived in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Glad to be here with my friend @USAmbBangladesh. Looking forward to productive meetings over the next two days!"
In another post, he highlighted the discussions held between the officials.
He wrote, "It was great to meet Foreign Minister Khalil Rahman during my first visit to Bangladesh and discuss working together to strengthen the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship. Lots of positive developments."
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen also highlighted Gor's visit and wrote in a post on X, "I am delighted to welcome to Bangladesh my friend, the U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor. His visit will strengthen U.S.-Bangladesh strategic ties and regional security and economic cooperation."
— ANI
Reader Comments
While this is positive news, we must remember that travel advisories are just one indicator. The real test is the safety of ordinary citizens and minorities. Let's hope the improved law and order situation translates into actual ground realities for everyone, not just for diplomatic visits. 🤔
Great news for the region! A safer Bangladesh means better connectivity for trade between India and Northeast states. This is a win-win for everyone - US recognizes the progress under PM Tarique Rahman's government, and we all benefit from a stable neighbor.
I have family in Dhaka and this is reassuring to hear. Level 2 is much better than Level 3. It makes traveling for business or family visits easier. Hopefully the additional restricted areas mentioned by the envoy will also be cleared soon.
Interesting timing with the Special Envoy's visit. But let's be cautiously optimistic - travel advisories can change quickly. I just hope Bangladesh continues its progress in maintaining law and order, especially along its borders with India and Myanmar, which directly affects our security too.
It's always good to see international recognition for efforts to improve stability. The message about "a few areas have additional restrictions" is important though - travelers should still do their homework before visiting certain border areas or hill tracts.
K Kavya N