Govt to offer services of Ansar to foreign missions: foreign secretary
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen today said the government will offer the services of the Ansar -- a paramilitary auxiliary force -- to the foreign missions in Dhaka as alternatives after the withdrawal of "additional escort services" for four diplomats came into effect.
Talking to reporters, the foreign secretary said they are likely to hold a meeting with the director general of the Ansar tomorrow to know about the facilities they can offer and build a connection with those missions who are willing to take this service.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "We will talk to Ansar and will let the missions know officially," Masud Bin Momen said, adding that additional escort was mainly used for traffic clearance purposes.
Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said the government is aware of the responsibilities as a host country under the Vienna Convention and regular security measures for foreign missions and their personnel remain unchanged.
Momen said they do not see any security deficit in the country and militancy and the law and order situation is fully under control.
He also said there is a shortage or constraint of police personnel. On Monday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said, "If they [foreign missions] want it, they can get it on payment. We won't provide this extra [security] escort service with taxpayers' money.
"In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities," the foreign minister said.
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.
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