The question of is Bangladesh safe to visit is not a hard one to answer, in that yes, Bangladesh is an extremely safe place to visit. Why then, I hear you ask, are so many people scared of going here?
Well the fact of the matter is that much of what is said about the country is simply not true, and even the bits that are true need context and nuance.
With that in mind here is our guide to safety in Bangladesh and why you should visit the country (ideally with YPT!)
What the Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries on Earth, squeezed into the lush and chaotic delta of the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers. With a population pushing past 170 million, it is loud, proud, and very much alive. But beyond the headlines and stereotypes, what you find is a country of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, boat rides through floating villages, and some of the most welcoming people in Asia. It is a place where everyone wants to feed you, talk to you, and ask where you are from.
Infrastructure is improving, the economy is growing fast, and while it still faces challenges, Bangladesh in 2025 is not the struggling backwater many imagine. It is raw and real, but if you have travelled in South Asia before, you will find it more relaxed than India, less touristy than Nepal, and far more authentic than most places that claim to be “off the beaten track”.
Click to check the the best cuisines in the world.
Myths about the Bangladesh safety question
There is a lingering idea in the West that Bangladesh is dangerous, whether from terrorism, political instability, or crime. Most of this stems from outdated reports or misinterpretation of isolated incidents. The reality is that violent crime against foreigners is almost unheard of and street crime in general is lower than in many Western cities.
Terrorism, while a concern in the past, is now heavily policed and extremely rare. Major tourist areas are patrolled, checkpoints are normal, and the government takes foreigner safety very seriously. Political protests do occur, but unless you are deliberately inserting yourself into them, you will likely not even notice.
According to the Global Peace Index, Bangladesh ranks higher in safety than the United States. Petty theft and scams exist, but no more than in any major travel destination. Most visits to Bangladesh are trouble-free and the main “danger” is probably being overfed by friendly locals or getting lost in a market trying to find more biryani.
Is Bangladesh safe for women?
Yes, Bangladesh is safe for women travellers, but like in many countries, some additional precautions are wise. Local women tend to dress modestly and foreign women who do the same will likely attract less attention. That said, female travellers are generally respected and are unlikely to experience serious harassment.
There is a rape culture problem in Bangladesh, as there is in many parts of the world, but it is largely internal and not targeted at foreign visitors. Most women who visit report being treated with curiosity and politeness rather than hostility. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night in quiet areas and to use rideshare apps or hotel-arranged transport where possible, but overall, Bangladesh is far from a no-go zone for women.
Is Bangladesh safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Bangladesh is extremely safe in terms of day-to-day interactions, though legally things are more complicated. Homosexuality is still technically illegal under Section 377 of the Penal Code, a colonial-era law that remains on the books but is rarely enforced.
That said, public expressions of same-sex affection are not uncommon, especially among men. You will regularly see male friends holding hands, sharing beds, and walking arm-in-arm. This is part of the cultural norm and not necessarily romantic, but it does create space for queer travellers to move discreetly.
There is little open LGBTQ+ activism, and it is best to keep things low-key. However, there are no LGBTQ+ prisons or morality police here. You will not be arrested for being gay, but you probably will not find a Pride parade either. Use discretion and respect the conservative nature of the society, and you will be fine.
Drinking in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is not Iran. You can drink here legally, but there are caveats. Alcohol is available, but mainly through licensed bars, hotels catering to foreigners, and a few government-approved outlets.
Beer and spirits are served in places like the InterContinental or Radisson, and you can even find local beer like Hunter and imported whisky. Some expat clubs and upscale restaurants also quietly serve alcohol. Outside the major cities, though, you will struggle to find anything unless you know someone or bring it in yourself.
While Muslims are discouraged from drinking, non-Muslims are technically allowed to buy and consume alcohol with a permit. That said, you do not need a permit in most tourist hotels. Just drink discreetly, avoid public intoxication, and do not wander around drunk outside your hotel.
Dangers and annoyances for travel to Bangladesh
While generally safe, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Road traffic is chaotic and accidents are common. Use trains or domestic flights where possible.
• Air pollution can be bad in Dhaka, especially in winter. Wear a mask if needed.
• Infrastructure can be patchy in rural areas, expect power cuts and slow internet.
• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause flooding and transport delays.
• Scams are rare but do exist in major tourist zones. Agree prices in advance.
• Begging is common, especially around religious sites. A polite no is usually enough.
Conclusion
Bangladesh in 2025 is not just safe, it is one of the last truly untapped travel destinations in Asia. The people are friendly, the food is phenomenal, and the sense of adventure is very real.
It is not for everyone. If you want five-star luxury and predictable tourist trails, stick to Thailand. But if you want stories, surprises, and the kind of travel that feels like travel used to feel, then Bangladesh is for you.
Come with an open mind, leave with a full stomach and probably a bunch of WhatsApp numbers from random guys you met on a bus. That is just how Bangladesh works.
Click to check my tours to Bangladesh with Young Pioneer Tours.