Envoys discuss security

The envoys of eight European Union countries and the European Union ambassador yesterday discussed the current safety and security situation in Bangladesh following the killing of two foreign nationals.

The meeting, held at the residence of EU Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon, was attended by the mission chiefs of the UK, Denmark, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.

Diplomatic sources said though it was a “monthly routine meeting” of the Heads of Missions of the EU that discussed cooperation and future work, the issue relating to the murders of the two foreigners was prominent.

The envoys talked about the security situation elaborately and expressed their satisfaction over the government steps taken recently. But they opined that a high degree of caution would continue to be maintained for their citizens in Bangladesh.

They also discussed the investigations into the killings of Italian aid worker Cesare Tavella and Japanese national Kunio Hoshi.

A policeman stands guard at a check post there. Photo: Amran Hossain

They said they would continue to urge Bangladesh to conduct the probes properly for bringing the perpetrators to justice, added the sources.

The government has assured foreign diplomats in Dhaka of a fair and professional investigation into the murders.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said arresting the killers is now their “highest priority”.

TIGHT SECURITY

Police and other law-enforcement agencies have continued frequent patrolling in Gulshan-Baridhara diplomatic zone in the capital as part of stepped up vigilance to ensure security for foreign nationals.

An armoured personnel carrier (APC) was deployed and paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) forces were also seen rolling on the streets yesterday.

Pedestrians and vehicles of all sorts were being searched more frequently.

“Police are patrolling the roads round the clock. All sorts of measures including installing several police check posts have been taken to ensure maximum security,” said Rafiqul Islam, assistant commissioner of police in Gulshan zone.

The high alert security measures came in line with the government's assurance of providing highest security for all diplomats and foreign nationals.

Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque has meanwhile said Bangladesh is a safe country for foreigners.

“We think Bangladesh is still a safe place for foreigners and everyone else. There are no causes of concern as all security measures have been taken by the police, other law-enforcement agencies and the government,” the IGP said.

He made the comments yesterday after an inaugural session of a driving training programme for gipsy community organised jointly by Dhaka Metropolitan Police and international NGO Brac at Brac Centre Auditorium in the capital.

The police chief said law enforcers would find out if there is any conspiracy and who are behind it after dissolving at least one of the two foreigners' murders.

Cesare Tavella was shot dead at Gulshan in the capital on September 28. Five days into the killing, Kunio Hoshi was gunned down in Rangpur.

Several countries including Japan, Italy, United Kingdom and United States have issued alerts for their citizens residing in Bangladesh after the incidents.