Is it Safe to Travel to Bangladesh in 2025?

Bangladesh might not be on many travelers’ radars, but there’s so much to explore here. For a little perspective, only 655,000 tourists visited Bangladesh in 2024, compared to around 10 million foreigners who traveled to nearby India. Why the huge difference? It could be rooted in misconceptions about safety and culture in Bangladesh. In addition, the student protests in July 2024 made some international tourists even more worried about traveling to the country.

Is It Safe to Travel to Bangladesh in 2025?

Let me give you a straightforward answer: Yes, Bangladesh is safe for visitors. Even the UK Government Travel Advice Website recently switched Bangladesh to a “Green” status (though I don’t usually rely on it too much), and anyone who’s visited in the past year will tell you the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. However, rumor-mongers still circulate negative stories—notice how India hasn’t reopened certain train routes into Bangladesh, citing “instability” as a reason.

What Really Happened in Bangladesh This Year?

The July and August 2024 protests were triggered by the revival of a controversial job quota system, which awards 30% of government roles (some of the most sought-after jobs in the country) to the descendants of independence war veterans. Many saw this as blatant favoritism for those supporting the ruling political party, frustrating the country’s progressive student population. They argued that it made their hard work pointless if nearly a third of top jobs were allocated through political favoritism.

These demonstrations quickly escalated once the government responded with strict measures. The authorities used force, made mass arrests, and even shut down the internet temporarily—all of which fueled people’s anger. Hundreds tragically lost their lives, thousands were hurt, and human rights groups accused the authorities of severe violations.

The Situation Now

When Sheikh Hasina, who had been Prime Minister for 15 years, realized the crackdown was backfiring, she fled to India on August 5, 2024. An interim government then took over, aiming to calm things down. Since then, large-scale violence has subsided, especially in big cities and popular tourist spots. Investigations have started into the alleged police abuses during the protests, which has helped restore some public trust.

In general, key travel destinations like Dhaka, the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, and Bangladesh’s many historical sites are now considered safe. Tourist zones are closely watched, and there’s no sign that foreigners were targets during the unrest.

Safety Precautions You Can Take When Travelling Bangladesh

So, yes, Bangladesh is safe for tourists - but as always there are some precautions you should
take when travelling there:

• Avoid political gatherings and public protests, this sort of goes without saying.
• Keep an eye on the news and listen to local advice.
• If you are travelling with a tour, choose a experienced knowledgeable guide who has the better Knowledge about culture, people mindset and every corner of this country (agree on a price beforehand).
• Respect local customs - Bangladesh is a conservative country and understanding cultural norms will enhance your experience. For example, if you are an atheist, it is best to just pick a religion you 'follow' - as saying you do not believe in god can be offensive as you are insinuating theirs does not exist.

Female Safety in Bangladesh

As women know, traveling experiences can vary drastically by gender. In Bangladesh, I personally found the community very respectful. You might get stared at, but it felt more like curiosity than anything else. By tradition, men avoid physical contact with women they are not related to, so things like random touching or hugging are not acceptable.

If someone wants a selfie with you, they’ll usually keep a bit of distance. Stand your ground if a man tries to sit right next to you on an empty bus - just kindly ask him to move. Setting boundaries helps prevent awkward moments.

Conclusion

While Bangladesh faced a turbulent period during the protests, it is steadily regaining stability and is now safe for tourists.

Bangladesh has so much to offer, and after being there, it absolutely baffles me why it is not more on the tourist radar. From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sundarbans mangrove forest to the serene tea plantations in Sylhet, the country offers unique cultural and natural experiences and is quite frankly, a photographer's paradise.

Lastly, if you want to put your mind completely at ease, you have the option to book a tour with Banshi Tours, who will take care of every detail of your trip. So do check out our packages and see which parts of Bangladesh grab your attention the most!

Thank you so much for reading our blog post: Is Bangladesh Safe for Travel in 2025?