New steps to strengthen security of diplomats proposed

A meeting of the Task Force on the security of diplomats and diplomatic premises has recommended some new measures to strengthen security of the diplomats and the officials of the diplomatic missions. The task force meeting, presided over by Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, reviewed different security related issues of the diplomats and officials of the diplomatic missions as well as International Organizations in Bangladesh and took stock of measures taken so far. The meeting held on Thursday expressed satisfaction with the measures taken to enhance vigilance and patrol in the diplomatic area for their protection, said a press release of the Foreign Ministry. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam, Principal Secretary, Foreign Secretary and representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs, Economic Relations Division, Police, Armed Forces Division and other agencies were present. According to the Geneva Convention, it is the duty of the host government to ensure security for the diplomats. Meanwhile, after the task force meeting, Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque had a meeting European Union Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon. They discussed about security, trade, migration, joint commission meeting at the foreign minister level and other related issues, said a foreign ministry official. An EU delegation on migration is expected to visit Dhaka this month while a trade delegation from Brussels is likely to visit Bangladesh at the end of the year to discuss possible trade cooperation.