Australians have been told not to visit Bangladesh as political unrest spreads, with officials raising travel advice to its highest warning level.

Travel advice was upgraded to ‘do not travel’ on Wednesday, placing the South Asian nation on par with countries such as Iran and Afghanistan.

“There (are) ongoing protests and demonstrations across Bangladesh, with violent clashes throughout Dhaka and other cities,” the travel advisory read.

“Many deaths and injuries have been reported. Curfews have been imposed at short notice.”

Due to ongoing violence, our travel advice for Bangladesh has been updated to ‘Do not travel’.

The security situation is extremely volatile. Avoid large gatherings, monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
@Smartraveller is being regularly updated.

— Senator Penny Wong (@SenatorWong) August 7, 2024

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the situation in Bangladesh had become “extremely volatile” following violent protests, which had led to its prime minister fleeing the country and resigning.

Australians there have been urged to avoid large gatherings and monitor local media for updates.

Australia remained concerned by the situation, Senator Wong said.

“We call on all parties to cease violence and we call on all parties to de-escalate and respect universal rights, and we urge a full and independent and impartial investigation into the events of recent weeks,” she told reporters in the United States.

“We continue to support the calls for the people of Bangladesh for an orderly and peaceful return to a democratic and inclusive government.”

Dependents of Australian officials in Bangladesh have been offered voluntary departures to Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in its travel advisory.

Census figures from 2021 show more than 51,000 people in Australia were born in Bangladesh.

The country of around 170 million people imported $2.8 billion of Australian products in 2023, making it the nation’s 25th largest export market, according to the department.

Also in 2023, more than 14,000 Bangladeshi students enrolled for studies in Australia, up 70 per cent from the previous year and the highest number on record.

-AAP