Australians have been not to travel to Bangladesh following recent political unrest, with the Department of Foreign Affairs raising its official travel warning to the country to its highest level.

Travel advice was upgraded to ‘do not travel’ on Wednesday, placing Bangladesh 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 says.

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

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.

Senator Wong said Australia remained concerned by the situation.

“We call on all parties to cease violence. We call on all parties to de-escalate and respect universal rights, and we urge a full and independent and partial investigation into the events in recent week,” 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, DFAT said in its travel advisory.

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

– AAP