Capital city in Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Is Dhaka safe?
Violent crime against visitors is uncommon, but political protests, strikes and mob violence can erupt without warning.
Is Dhaka safe?
Violent crime against visitors is uncommon, but political protests, strikes and mob violence can erupt without warning. Traffic and pollution hurt more than crime.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-01-19.
- Homicide rate in Bangladesh: 2.3 per 100,000 people (2018, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Bangladesh: 15.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
Safety in Dhaka at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and phone snatching from rickshaws and crowds, mugging after dark in some areas, overcharging, and occasional bag theft on buses. |
| At night | Streets empty after about 10 pm outside Gulshan and Banani. Use Uber or Pathao from door to door and avoid walking. |
| Solo women | Expect staring and some harassment, even more in crowds. Wear loose clothes with a scarf, use women's compartments and prefer app rides. |
| Other risks | Very polluted air, one of the world's worst; Chaotic roads and flooded streets in monsoon; Dengue, peaking Jul–Oct |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- CNG and rickshaw drivers quoting foreigner fares several times normal
- Helpers at Sadarghat launches and stations demanding fees for tickets
- Dating-app meetups used to extort or rob visitors
Take care
- Political rallies, strikes and hartals: avoid and leave if crowds gather
- Old Dhaka's alleys: dense, confusing and pickpocket-prone
- Phone use at traffic lights and from rickshaws: snatchers
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Alcohol is restricted to licensed hotels and bars; drinking in public is illegal.
- Photographing military, police or government buildings can lead to detention.
How Dhaka compares in Bangladesh
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Dhaka | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cox's Bazar | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Dhaka safe for solo female travelers?
Expect staring and some harassment, even more in crowds. Wear loose clothes with a scarf, use women's compartments and prefer app rides.
Is Dhaka safe at night?
Streets empty after about 10 pm outside Gulshan and Banani. Use Uber or Pathao from door to door and avoid walking.
What is the crime rate in Dhaka?
Pickpocketing and phone snatching from rickshaws and crowds, mugging after dark in some areas, overcharging, and occasional bag theft on buses. Nationally, Bangladesh records 2.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2018).
What number do I call in an emergency in Dhaka?
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999 · All emergencies 999.
More about Dhaka
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Dhaka Mass Transit Company (MRT)
- Bangladesh e-Visa portal
- Evercare Hospital Dhaka
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.