Health & Safety

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There is a medical centre in every University, so you don't have to worry about it. Again, medical expenses in Bangladesh are relatively low; thus, no medical insurance is required to get medical treatment. If the university medical centre cannot treat you, they would send you to the nearest hospital.

For safety, you have many things to do on your own.

Police, fire service, and ambulance services will be available from any phone (mobile or fixed line) dialling 999. The use will be monitored and managed by the police force of Bangladesh. The 999 number is complete 'toll-free,' and citizens will not need to pay a fee to use it. You'll get to know about all the necessary contact numbers for safety on your campus.

When to call?

  • when someone witnesses a crime
  • When someone fears for his or her life
  • When someone is hurt or injured
  • When someone is in danger
  • When a fire breaks out when someone is in urgent need of an ambulance

 

Again, some safety measures are.

There are severe penalties for possession and trafficking of illegal drugs. Some narcotics-related offenses are indictable by capital punishment.

Please remember that homosexual relations are illegal in Bangladesh.

Violating local laws may result in a jail sentence to be served in a local prison. Delays and inefficiency in the judicial system can result in lengthy detentions until court hearings eventually take

The abduction of children and business people for ransom is not unknown. It does not appear to be mainly directed at foreigners, but it is advised to avert such occurrences.

Armed robbery, pick-pocketing, and purse-snatching can occur. Do not carry a large amount of money or wear expensive jewellery on the streets. Thieves often work in pairs on motorcycles or motorized rickshaws known as 'CNGs.' Passengers using rickshaws or traveling alone in taxis are particularly vulnerable, especially during nightfall.

Phone snatching is very common here. Do not exhibit costly mobiles on the roads. Be careful in autos. Even though auto-rickshaws are covered with iron grills, there are still chances of mugging (cutting the side covers and pulling out the valuables is a common practice by the chain snatchers).

Obtain an International Driving Permit for driving.

Roads are often in poor condition; therefore, road safety is also inferior.

Drivers of larger vehicles expect to be given the right side of the road. Speeding, dangerous, and aggressive overtaking and sudden manoeuvres without indicating cause frequent and severe accidents. Take particular care on long road journeys and use well-travelled and well-lit routes. Traffic is heavy and chaotic in urban areas. City streets are incredibly congested, and the usual rules of the road are not always applied.

Driving at night is especially dangerous as many vehicles are unlit or travel on full-beam. There is also a risk of banditry during travel between towns after dark, train, bus, or ferry.

On some trains, first-class compartments are lockable. Ensure the compartment door is locked if you are traveling overnight. For further information, visit the Bangladesh railways

River and sea ferries are often dangerously overcrowded, particularly in the days around religious festivals and other holidays. There have been several severe accidents in Bangladesh, and capsizing is common. Take special care while traveling in ferries.

Nationwide strikes or 'hartals' are widely observed as a means of political expression in Bangladesh. Over the past several years, the political parties have called a number of these hartals, resulting in the virtual shutdown of transportation and commerce, and sometimes attacks non-observing individuals of hartals. Clashes between rival political groups during hartals have resulted in deaths and injuries. It is strongly suggested to avoid all political protests, demonstrations, and marches.

During hartals, please exercise caution in all areas and remain indoors whenever possible. Hartals, demonstrations, and other protests can occur at any time. Exercise particular caution around the following events:

During hartals, blockades, and clashes, several small improvised explosive devices (known locally as 'cocktails') are detonated in public areas, including major roads and intersections. Be alert and stay safe to avoid casualty.

Stay awake and alert when using public transportation.

It is best not to eat, drink, or smoke anything offered by strangers. Drugging is a growing problem in many Asian countries.

Bottled water is recommended for drinking outside.

Mosquitoes can be abundant in some areas, and cities, especially during the rainy and humid Protective nets covering your bed at night, are often provided, even in some of the cheapest hotels and in all households.

Keep your valuables out of public sight and your luggage close at hand while traveling. Keep your handbag nearby. Keep your wallet in the front pocket of your trousers or under safe custody.

Let go of your belongings if a mugger threatens. Otherwise, there is a chance of casualty, or worse.

Research before visiting any new area. Talk to the Department Chair or Consular Officer regarding travel advisories or warnings. When traveling, dress casually yet. Please, be aware of local customs. Do not wear excessive jewelry items. Reduce wallet and purse contents, particularly cards denoting affiliations, memberships, accounts, etc.

Always be alert. Think about personal safety everywhere. The best protection is to avoid dangerous places.

Trust your instincts. Immediately report all suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station.

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