French Foreign Ministry Recommends Citizens To Avoid Visiting Bangladesh

MOSCOW, Aug 7 (Bernama-Sputnik) -- The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday recommending citizens to avoid travelling to Bangladesh amid the tense security situation in the country, reported Sputnik. 

"Travel to Bangladesh is currently strongly discouraged," the ministry said.

French citizens in Bangladesh are urged to limit going outdoors and to avoid crowds, despite the seeming stabilisation of the situation, the ministry added.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the country's travel advice for trips to Bangladesh has been changed to "do not travel".

"The security situation is extremely volatile. Avoid large gatherings, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities," Wong said on X.

The Australian government, in a separate statement, warned that communications in the country have been severely disrupted, with the possibility of internet access being restricted "at short notice". The government also said there are transport disruptions and traffic delays in Bangladesh due to the impact on fuel supplies.

Protests began in Dhaka and across the country after the announcement of a multi-day "non-cooperation action" with the authorities, which was launched on Sunday by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Clashes between students, police, and government supporters escalated into riots. On Monday, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her sister left the official residence in Dhaka for a safer place. Media reported that Hasina had resigned and fled to India, which was confirmed by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK