The United States has authorised the voluntary departure of nonemergency employees and their families from its embassy in Dhaka due to the ongoing security situation in Bangladesh.
鈥榃e authorised the voluntary departure of nonemergency personnel and family members at the US embassy in Dhaka,鈥� stated US department of state spokesperson Matthew Miller during a routine briefing in Washington on Wednesday.
He emphasised the US concerns about the current security environment in Bangladesh.
鈥榃e are exploring all options to ensure the safety of our personnel in Dhaka,鈥� Miller said, when asked about specific steps, the US might take to safeguard 鈥榠nnocent students鈥� and the nation from the regime.
Despite these measures, he assured that the embassy remained open to provide consular and other services to US citizens in Bangladesh.
鈥極ur first priority is the safety and security of American citizens. We encourage any US citizen with concerns about their safety and security to contact our embassy,鈥� Miller added.
Addressing recent events, Miller condemned all acts of violence in Bangladesh.
鈥榃e support the freedom of peaceful assembly and condemn violence against those, exercising this right. We also condemn any violence by protesters, who turn peaceful demonstrations into excuses for violence. We want the people of Bangladesh to exercise their fundamental freedoms as we do globally,鈥� he continued.
The US embassy in Dhaka, in a security alert on July 24, advised its citizens to practice vigilance and reconsider their travel plans, saying, 鈥榯he government of Bangladesh has extended its lockdown [curfew] indefinitely, with the Bangladeshi Army deployed nationwide.鈥�
The alert noted the use of guns, tear gas, and other weapons in the vicinity of the embassy.
鈥楾his response is due to ongoing student demonstrations against quotas for government jobs, which have led to violent clashes in Dhaka, neighbouring areas, and throughout Bangladesh,鈥� the alert mentioned.
Reports indicated over 197 confirmed deaths and thousands of injuries across the country, the notice noted, making it available on website on Wednesday.
鈥楧ue to the volatile and unpredictable situation, with local transportation severely affected and limited internet services, the US Embassy is currently offering only emergency services. Mission personnel have been advised to shelter in place until further notice, it said.
