The US in its latest travel alert issued on Tuesday in Washington, said the overall security situation in Bangladesh, including threats to US interests from extremists, remains a concern.

Replacing the earlier Consular Information Sheet issued on February 1, the new travel warning said that the US Embassy has increased the level of security around the US government facilities in and around Dhaka.

In the latest information sheet, the US Department of State mentioned the August 17 blasts and said in the past few years various groups targeted cinema halls, shrines, political gatherings, and the British high commissioner in Dhaka.

The US Embassy has seen an increase in anti-American protests following Friday prayers at the national mosque largely in part due to the US involvement in Iraq and thus the Americans are urged to avoid travel to Dhaka on Fridays if possible.

American citizens have also been urged to avoid all political demonstrations as these are inclined to violence. They are advised to exercise caution and remain inside their residences or workplaces whenever possible.

Due to kidnappings of foreign nationals, US citizens are advised against travelling to the Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban unless it is urgent. Individuals who choose to visit these districts are urged to exercise extreme caution.