The government of Bangladesh has issued two travel advisories for its citizens travelling to Australia and New Zealand. It comes after the March 15 terror attacks in Christchurch where 50 people, including five of Bangladeshi origin were killed and dozens of others injured.
The ‘Travel Advice for Australia’ reads: “Bangladesh nationals living in Australia and Bangladesh nationals travelling to Australia are advised to be vigilant at all times, particularly in public places, stay informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.
“Hours after the shocking attacks, an Australian senator issued a statement pinning the mosque massacre blame on the Muslims and expressed growing fear within Australian community of the increasing Muslim presence in Australia and New Zealand.
PM Scott Morrison with Muslim leaders after Christchurch terror attack. Source: AAP
“Such extremist stand from an Australian lawmaker triggers fears of hatred of racism in Australia,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Earlier another “Travel Advice for New Zealand” suggested that further attacks in public places attacking foreigners were possible.
"Muslims and migrants from Bangladesh are advised to be vigilant at all times, particularly in public places, and stay informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.
“We recommend exercising caution around potential attack targets such as mosques, restaurants, markets shopping malls, conference centres, public transport hubs, etc.”
Mourners carry the casket of Sayyad Ahmed Milne, aged 14, at the Memorial Park Cemetery in Christchurch, New Zealand. Source: AAP
Bangladesh nationals are advised to have travel insurance.
“Bangladesh nationals travelling New Zealand should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes provision for medical evacuation by air” reads the travel advice for New Zealand issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Contact numbers of the High Commission of Bangladesh in Canberra and Honorary Consul of Bangladesh to Auckland are given and Bangladesh nationals are asked to contact them if needed.
Mr Shafiqur Rahman Bhuiyan (Anu), Honorary Consul, Bangladeshi Consulate in Auckland, New Zealand. Source: Facebook
After the brutal Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka, Australia issued strong travel advice for its nationals against visiting Bangladesh in 2016. Direct cargo flights from Dhaka to Australia were suspended too. And Australia had also cancelled its cricket team’s trip to Dhaka.
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