US States has issued ‘security alert’ for Dhaka on Saturday amid protests against mass killing in recent crackdown of Sheikh Hasina, an authoritarian ruler who gripped power without public mandate over 15 years.

Bangladesh is currently on a Level 4 travel advisory of ‘Do Not Travel’, according to the post from verified account of US Embassy in Dhaka on X platform.

Regarding the security alert, the official mentioned that a peaceful ‘sit in’ programme scheduled at Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in the Gulshan at 3:00 PM.

“Calls for protests, demonstrations, marches and gatherings continue to occur and can often materialize quickly.  We are also aware for calls of a ‘total non-cooperation’ movement beginning on Sunday, August 4.  More protests are expected in the coming days,” read the X post.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the protests and the government response, US citizens should practice vigilance and avoid demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, according to the official.

If feeling unsafe, U.S. citizens should consider returning to the United States. 

US Embassy Dhaka continues to offer limited, routine consular services.  Embassy personnel are confined to movements within the diplomatic enclave and have been warned to avoid the Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park from 12 pm on Saturday.