US Issues Travel Advisory For Citizens In Bangladesh Amid Unrest Ahead Of Osman Hadi Funeral

Last Updated:December 20, 2025, 10:40 IST

The press wing of Bangladesh’s interim government said the funeral prayers would be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 2 pm.

Members of the multiple organisations including Khelafat Majlis join in a protest rally after Friday prayer, demanding justice for the death of Sharif Osman Hadi.(REUTERS)

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens in Bangladesh as heightened security measures were put in place ahead of the funeral of prominent youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, following unrest sparked by his death.

Protesters carried out widespread vandalism and set fire to the offices of two major media organisations in Dhaka on Friday, demanding swift action against those responsible for Hadi’s death.

In its advisory, the United States cautioned citizens about possible disruptions in the Bangladesh capital and urged them to reassess travel plans and remain vigilant.

According to PTI, the press wing of Bangladesh’s interim government said the funeral prayers would be held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building at 2 pm.

“Individuals are encouraged to review scheduled travel through and around Dhaka during the above listed timeframes and allow additional time for possible delays," the advisory said.

It warned that “gatherings intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence," adding: “You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings."

“Extremely heavy traffic is expected in the area and throughout Dhaka. Large spontaneous or planned gatherings are likely throughout Bangladesh," the advisory warned further.

The US advisory listed the following steps for its citizens:

• Review and reconsider your scheduled travel during this timeframe and consider factoring in additional time.
• Exercise additional caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for updates.

The advisory comes as Dhaka continues to witness protests following the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, one of the prominent figures associated with last year’s July Uprising that led to a regime change in Bangladesh.

Amid the unrest, Hadi’s family on Friday called for a memorial to be built in his honour at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, where he had launched the movement.

Bangladesh’s interim government on Friday urged citizens to resist violence by “fringe elements" as Hadi’s body arrived from Singapore, amid fresh unrest in the capital following overnight rampages linked to his death, reported PTI.

“The arson destroyed everything (inside Udichi’s office)," said Jamshed Anwar, the organisation’s general secretary, adding that a large number of police, BGB and army personnel were deployed at the site, the news agency report added.

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