The government on Thursday assured foreign diplomats of the security of embassies in Dhaka, with a particular focus on the upcoming 13th parliamentary elections and referendum.
The assurance came at a briefing for diplomats held at the State Guest House Padma on Thursday afternoon, December 18.
Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam briefed envoys on the government’s updated preparations and overall security arrangements surrounding the election.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats were informed that all law enforcement agencies, including the armed forces, are on the highest level of alert and fully prepared to deal with any situation to maintain law and order.
The briefing also highlighted that the Election Commission is ready to welcome foreign election observers, and various countries have been invited to send observer missions for the polls.
The Foreign Ministry said around 40 diplomats from different countries stationed in Dhaka attended the session, during which embassies were explicitly assured of their safety throughout the election period.
Diplomatic sources said the foreign secretary briefed diplomats for less than half an hour. While a few European ambassadors were present, most heads of foreign missions did not attend the session.
A foreign diplomat who attended the meeting told Jagonews that the briefing was brief and largely general in nature. The first half focused on preparations for the upcoming election, while the latter half stressed that the Bangladesh government had taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of diplomatic missions in line with international norms.
Another diplomat remarked that “almost no heads of mission were present” at the briefing.