US citizens in Bangladesh need to be on alert due to a possible terrorist threat for New Year's Eve, the United States Embassy, Dhaka said in a security message.

"US citizens should take stringent security measures and be alert to local security developments during the holiday season," the security message stated. "There is an ongoing potential for extremist violence in Bangladesh.

The Travel Warning of July 10, 2016 is still in effect and the terrorist threat remains credible," it added. The US embassy also noted that the government of Bangladesh has increased security in Dhaka for New Year's Eve. Police recently carried out raids against suspected militants and local media reported officials found explosive devices and plans for attacks, the security message added.