A bomb attack on a large gathering by the Shia community in the Old City of Dhaka occurred early in the morning of Saturday 24 October. One person is reported killed and many injured. In view of the current high threat of terrorism against Westerners in Bangladesh, current advice to keep a low profile in all public spaces, limit attendance at events where Westerners may gather and take particular care where there are large gatherings should be followed.
There is continuing tension between the government and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) led 20 Party Alliance. In January 2015 the opposition called a nationwide blockade of road, rail and river transport and held a programme of general strikes (hartals). These lasted several months and resulted in a number of deaths, including from arson attacks on public transport. While not formally lifted, politically motivated disruption and violence have reduced considerably since April 2015.