Dhaka assures diplomats of ample security measures
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Dhaka has assured the diplomats of adequate security arrangements for their personnel and premises ahead of the 13th Parliamentary election and national referendum, amid heightened political activity and international concern over law and order.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday briefed the diplomats stationed in Dhaka on the interim government’s updated preparations and security arrangements.
The briefing, held at the State Guest House Padma in the afternoon, was led by Foreign Secretary Ambassador Asad Alam Siam and attended by development partners, foreign diplomats and key stakeholders.
According to officials, the foreign secretary informed the diplomats about the overall political and security situation in the country, the roadmap for conducting the upcoming election, and the process of handing over power to an elected political government.
He also highlighted the measures taken to maintain law and order and to ensure a peaceful environment during the election period.
Diplomats were told that the Election Commission will welcome foreign election observers and invited missions to deploy observer teams for the polls.
The foreign secretary further assured the participants that the armed forces, along with law enforcement agencies, remain on constant alert to uphold security and stability.
In this context, foreign missions were reassured about the safety of their personnel and premises.
Around 40 diplomats from various foreign missions in Dhaka including China, Russia, United States, UAE, Germany, Pakistan, Vietnam and Myanmar attended the briefing.
At the briefing, the Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam said “The Election Commission has already issued guidelines for domestic observers and foreign media. Several of our friends and partners, including UN entities, have expressed interest in cooperating with us regarding the upcoming polls, including through the deployment of observation missions.”
“Following the election announcement, the interim government, in close coordination with the Election Commission, is taking all necessary measures to maintain security, law, and order nationwide.
We are fully committed to creating a free, fair, and festive election environment,” he said.
“We are aware of concerns expressed by certain diplomatic missions regarding the security situation.
Let me assure you that the government remains fully committed to its obligations under international law and established diplomatic norms, including the protection of diplomatic missions and their personnel,” he said.
“All necessary measures have been taken to reinforce the safety and security of all diplomatic missions and posts in Bangladesh so they can perform their functions without fear or hindrance,” he added.
Law enforcement agencies, alongside specialized diplomatic security units, are constantly monitoring movements around diplomatic enclaves and remain on high alert, he said.
“They are fully prepared to respond promptly to prevent any untoward incident affecting missions or their facilities. In previous instances, as you may have witnessed, protesters have been effectively prevented from approaching diplomatic premises, thereby ensuring the safety and security of all missions,” he informed.
He further said “While there have been a few isolated incidents in recent weeks, these are stray and localized in nature. They do not indicate any systemic risk to public safety or to the overall security situation in the country.”
“Members of the diplomatic community can be assured that, apart from such minor occurrences, there is no reason for serious concern, and we do not foresee any major breakdown of law and order,” he continued.
The briefing comes at a time when the United States and India have expressed concern over Bangladesh’s law and order situation following the shooting of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha and an aspirant candidate for Dhaka-8 Constituency, at Purana Paltan last week. Hadi is current under treatment in Singapore as his condition is highly critical.
Earlier this week, the US Embassy in Dhaka issued a security alert advising American citizens to remain vigilant as political rallies and demonstrations are expected to intensify ahead of the elections.
The advisory urged citizens to avoid crowds, monitor local developments and prioritise personal safety.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Riaz Hamidullah, was summoned by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which conveyed concerns over what it described as a deteriorating security environment in Bangladesh and potential threats to the Indian Mission in Dhaka. India requested Bangladesh to ensure the safety of their diplomatic missions.
Regarding it, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Wednesday told the journalists that Dhaka has ensured sufficient security arrangements for Indian high commission in Dhaka following the request of India.