Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against visiting Bangladesh

RIGA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) recommends against visiting Bangladesh in view of the violent unrest that started in mid-July this year and spread beyond the capital Dhaka, the change of government, as well as the involvement of the armed forces in suppressing the protests, according to information released by the ministry.

The MFA urges people in Bangladesh to stay inside whenever possible.

The Ministry also urges people to inform their relatives of the security situation and to register with the Consular Registry in a timely manner, as major cities in Bangladesh have experienced deliberate disruptions in internet and mobile communications, and rail services have been temporarily suspended.

LETA reported that Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved the country's parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of an interim government after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.

Protests in Bangladesh began last month with student demands for the abolition of quotas in the civil service, but have since evolved into a broader anti-government movement.

At least 409 people have lost their lives in the protests, according to the AFP news agency.