Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today said no situation has
arisen in the country for which the US can update its security alert for
its citizen here.
“No incident has taken place here that may threaten security or no
such a situation has arisen for which the US can update its travel alert
for its citizens,” he said while talking to reporters at his
Secretariat office in Dhaka.
On Saturday, the US embassy in Dhaka updated its security message for
American citizens in Bangladesh saying terrorist threat remains “real
and credible”.
Kamal said the US did not provide the government any specific
information or source of it for which they were prompted to update the
travel alert.
He, however, said they did not take the issue lightly. “We’ve ensured
adequate security in Dhaka city’s diplomatic zone and for all
foreigners staying in Bangladesh.”
About the recent killings of two foreigners, the minister said the
prime minister has already said the incidents are part of a foreign and
local plot.
He said the two foreign nationals were killed to impede the country’s development and make the government embarrassed.
US EMBASSY ON SECURITY ALERT
The US has appreciated government’s efforts to ensure the safety and
security of foreigners working and visiting Bangladesh, and mentioned
that the intention of security message was to encourage US citizens to
continue to 'exercise caution'.
"The US embassy has a legal obligation to look after the safety of US
citizens in Bangladesh, which includes encouraging US citizens to
remain vigilant," Embassy Spokesperson Nancy VanHorn told UNB today.
About the security notices issued this weekend, she said the
intention was to encourage US citizens to continue to exercise caution
and the these notices were based on the 'original existing threat'
information and do not indicate a new threat.
"The notices were also aimed at informing our citizens about the
government of Bangladesh’s efforts to identify foreigners in the country
in order to be better prepared to protect them," said the spokesperson.
Nancy also said the US embassy is deeply grateful to the government
of Bangladesh, and in particular to Bangladeshi law enforcement, for the
extraordinary security measures that have been put in place over the
last few weeks in response to the fatal attacks on two foreign
nationals.
"Thanks to Bangladeshi law enforcement and the commitment of the
government of Bangladesh, security has been improved for foreigners
visiting or living in Bangladesh," she added.
HOME MINISTER ON DURGA PUJA
About security steps taken for smooth celebration of Durga Puja and
holy Ashura, the home minister said the government has taken adequate
security measures and put the law enforcers on alert so that no one can
carry out any untoward incident during the two festivals at any place in
the country, including the capital.
Besides, the minister said the members of Border Guard Bangladesh
(BGB) have also been kept on alert and they will go for action at any
place anytime whenever necessary.
The Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Hindus, began today
while the holy Ashura, a religious mourning day for the Muslims, will
be observed on October 24.
Replying to another question when the government will bring back Nur
Hossain, the prime accused in the Narayanganj seven-murder cases, from
India, Kamal said they are in touch with India over the matter.
“The day the Indian government will agree to repatriate him, we’ll
bring him back on that day. We’re ready to receive him any time.”
On Oct 16, an Indian court has ordered extradition of Nur Hossain to Bangladesh by December 15 next.
