Dhaka: The US Embassy here has formally announced that they have authorised a ‘voluntary departure’ of family members of US government personnel working in the country.

Steve Herrera, Superintendent of the American International School Dhaka (AISD), will be in Dhaka on Friday to better assess the situation and meet key personnel from the US Embassy, their Board of Directors, and AISD staff, a diplomatic source told UNB on Monday.

An authorised departure means all dependents of US Embassy personnel are allowed to return home if they desire.

Some Embassy employees may want their families to stay, others might choose to send their families home.

All US Embassy personnel and the agencies under the umbrella of the Embassy must continue to work in their respective positions, said the diplomat.

The US Embassy, however, will remain open and fully staffed. They are planning to open the school in August.

Other foreign embassies and businesses in Dhaka might follow the lead of the US Embassy, said the diplomatic source.

At this time, the authorization is for 30 days. The Embassy will reevaluate the situation after 30 days and determine if the authorisation should be extended for another 30 days. This may continue for up to six months.