Dhaka, Dec 19 (V7N) – The US Embassy in Dhaka has issued a security and travel alert for US citizens residing in or traveling to Bangladesh, citing possible traffic congestion and large public gatherings in the capital.

The alert was published on the US Embassy’s official Facebook page on Friday afternoon.

According to the notice, media reports indicate that the body of Inqilab Manch leader Sharif Osman Hadi is scheduled to arrive in Dhaka on Friday, December 19, at 6:05 pm. His janaza (funeral prayers) are expected to be held on Saturday, December 20, after Zuhr prayers (around 2 pm) at Manik Mia Avenue, in front of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.

Traffic Congestion Likely

The embassy warned that severe traffic congestion is likely in the Manik Mia Avenue area and across Dhaka city during the arrival of the body and the funeral proceedings.

Safety Advisory

In the alert, US citizens were advised to remain vigilant and to exercise extra caution around large public gatherings.

“Even peaceful gatherings can sometimes turn confrontational or violent,” the advisory noted, urging American citizens to avoid demonstrations and crowded areas.

Background

Sharif Osman Hadi, convener of Inqilab Manch, died at around 9:45 pm on Thursday while undergoing treatment in Singapore, days after being shot in the capital.

Inqilab Manch earlier announced via its official Facebook page that Hadi’s body would arrive in Dhaka on Friday evening. After arrival, the body is expected to be taken to the Dhaka University Central Mosque for public viewing before the funeral.

END/SMA/AJ