Australia to withdraw volunteers by Dec 31

The Australian government yesterday said it will withdraw its volunteers from Bangladesh by December 31.

“We will withdraw Australian Government funded volunteers by 31 December, as it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to undertake their assignments,” according to a travel advice posted on Australian foreign ministry website.

The government also authorised the dependants of posted Australian staff to return to Australia on a voluntary basis.

The announcement came hours after the attack on a Shia mosque in Bogra that left one person killed and three others injured.

The advisory said the ISIL on November 27 claimed another attack against a Shiite mosque in northern Bangladesh.

“We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh due to the high threat of terrorist attack and the uncertain political situation. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about possible security risks.

“There is reliable information to suggest that militants may be planning to target Australian and Western interests in Bangladesh,” the notice added.

Bangladesh, said the Australian foreign ministry, has experienced a number of terrorist incidents in the past and security agencies in Bangladesh continue to arrest people connected to militant and terrorist organisations.

“Some of these groups have an anti-Western outlook. Further attacks are likely, including against Western interests,” the ministry noted.

As of late September 2015, Australian officials in Bangladesh have been advised to avoid travel at night and limit their movements in public places including bars, hotels, locations and events frequented by foreigners, and large gatherings. Officials have also been advised to travel only by vehicle in Dhaka, read the advisory.