Withdrawal of extra security won’t affect bilateral ties: FS

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Tuesday said the withdrawal of “additional police escort” services from envoys of the four countries will not affect the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the concerned countries.

“I don’t think so,” he told reporters while responding to a question, noting that it is a protocol-related issue.

The envoys of the USA, UK, India and Saudi Arabia used to get the additional police protocol.

The foreign secretary said many substantive elements are involved in bilateral relations.

He also said the decision to withdraw additional police escort for the envoys of the four countries does not violate the Vienna Convention, as the government keeps the regular security measures for the foreign envoys and missions unchanged.

The foreign secretary also said the government will offer the services of the Ansar, a paramilitary auxiliary force, to the foreign missions in Dhaka as alternatives as 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 on Wednesday to know about the facilities they can offer and build a connection with those missions who are willing to take this service.

“We will talk to Ansar and will let the missions know officially,” Masud Momen said, adding that additional escort was mainly used for traffic clearance purposes.

Responding to a question, the FS 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.

Masud said they don’t see any security deficit in the country and militancy and the law and order situation is fully controlled.

He also said there is shortage or constraint of police personnel.