Over the last couple of weeks there have been a number of hartals (general strikes) in Bangladesh that have resulted in violence. A molotov cocktail was thrown at a bus near the U.S. Embassy, and the parked car of a foreign diplomat was firebombed. In some instances, travelers in rickshaws, baby-taxis and cars have been pulled from their transport and harassed. The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens in Bangladesh to forego all but essential travel within the country and exercise extreme caution during hartals, including in the Dhaka neighborhoods of Banani, Gulshan, and Baridhara. American citizens should remain inside their residences, schools, or workplaces to the maximum extent possible during these events. This Public Announcement expires on July 11, 2001.