No additional security for foreign diplomats with taxpayers’ money: Momen

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government does not want to discriminate in terms of providing additional security escorts to any foreign diplomat in Dhaka, but they can avail such facilities in exchange for payment.

Envoys from a number of countries, including the US and UK, receive such additional security services. Such services availed by four diplomats have been withdrawn.

“If they want it, they can get it in exchange for payment. We won’t provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money,” the foreign minister told UNB over phone this evening.

Responding to a question, Momen said five to six diplomats receive such service and more diplomats want this. “This is becoming difficult for us,” he said.

The foreign minister said the government is not willing to spend additional money as regular security service is in place.

“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” Momen said.

The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is required.