Is Dhaka Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, and, at the same time, the cultural and economic hub of the country.

The name of the city name was spelled as Dacca in English until the current spelling was adopted in 1983 to match Bengali pronunciation.

With a population of over 15 million, Dhaka is also the largest city in Bangladesh and one of the biggest cities in the world.

The city is a microcosm of the entire country, with diverse religious and ethnic communities.

The vibrant culture and thousands of Bangladeshi businesses and international corporations have contributed to migration and population growth.

Warnings & Dangers in Dhaka

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Dhaka is not the safest city to visit. However, it does have an extremely high rate of both petty and violent crime, though it's mainly ridden with petty street crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precautions measures to minimize the risk of getting hurt.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transport is also risky. If you're traveling in rickshaws, CNGs or taxis, especially at night, you may be particularly vulnerable to being attacked and robbed at gunpoint. Avoid public transportation when traveling alone.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Since Bangladesh is a very poor country, it is no surprise that pickpockets are extremely active in Dhaka. They are an everyday occurrence, so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Even though Bangladesh is susceptible to many natural disasters, Dhaka isn't too risky, when it comes to that. Tremors and earthquakes, usually minor ones, occur from time to time here.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Violent crime is also a common occurrence in Dhaka and you have to be very careful. Armed robbery is the second most common crime in Bangladesh so do everything you can do keep your valuables low profile.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There is a high probability of terrorists trying to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. The last terrorist attack occurred in March 2017 and it targeted security forces and there is a risk that future attacks could also occur in public places where public gatherings take place. Places where foreigners are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack, so be vigilant at all times.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

Scams are an everyday occurrence in this city. As in most countries ridden with poverty, there are several scams performed on tourists, and it is no wonder that the locals use every situation to try and get money from you. Double-check everything, and negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Though many women have visited Dhaka and encountered no problems at all, going to Dhaka alone has its risks. If you do, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.

So... How Safe Is Dhaka Really?

Despite being a city of friendly and open-minded people, Dhaka is poor, with a high crime rate, so coming here may not be the safest option crime-wise.

This means that you should stick to your wits and apply basic common sense, like not going anywhere alone after dark.

However, if you do find yourself in a risky situation, start shouting and drawing attention to yourself.

That should work just fine, as someone will probably run to your aid.

Most crimes typical for Dhaka are petty, so expect thefts like pickpocketing or purse snatching, especially when walking near the road: many criminals work as teams on motorcycles.

You should keep your valuables close to you at all times, especially when traveling by rickshaw, CNG (auto-rickshaw) or bus.

Never wear anything that is visibly valuable, latest technologies and expensive jewelry, and most middle-class locals just opt for gold or silver imitations when going out.

The second most common crime in Dhaka is armed robbery and the areas you should avoid are those of Gulshan and Banani, as they have experienced such cases.

The robbers mostly target westerners or anyone looking like them.

Avoid moving from place to place in a rickshaw, CNG or a taxi, especially at night, as they are particular targets when it comes to gunpoint robberies.

In general, avoid public transportation when alone.

How Does Dhaka Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Many countries do need a visa to enter Bangladesh. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Bangladesh. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Bangladesh embassy.

Currency

Bangladeshi taka is the official currency in Dhaka. Dhaka is an extremely cheap place but, the city primarily operates on cash.

Weather

The climate in Dhaka is a subtropical monsoon climate that, depending on the season, varies in rainfall, high temperatures, and humidity. It has three distinct seasons: a hot, humid summer that lasts from March to June; a cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October, and a cool and dry winter from October to March.

Airports

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, formerly known as Zia International Airport, is the largest airport serving Dhaka, and in the entire country of Bangladesh. It is located in Kurmitola in northern Dhaka.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Dhaka, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Dhaka Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Bangladesh - Safety by City