The United States, France and Italy yesterday expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by the government for the safety and security of foreigners in Bangladesh, reports UNB. US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat said the government of Bangladesh has been extremely responsive to their requests to help ensure foreigners' safety in the face of the current threat. She said the 'senseless deaths' of Italian citizen Tavella and Japanese national Kunio have affected them all.
“I want to again offer condolences to the families and friends of Tavella and Kunio, whose senseless deaths have affected us all. We very much appreciate how very warm a welcome Bangladesh gives to foreigners,” Bernicat said while responding to a UNB question in a Facebook chat on women's empowerment and gender equality. On the other hand, France Ambassador Sophie Aubert and Italian Ambassador Mario Palma, after their meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, said they are living a normal life with any fear.
“Had I not felt safe, I would not have been here,” the France Ambassador told reporters adding that she is working like everybody. Sophie Aubert, however, said they are not in a very peaceful world. “So for me, it’s a normal life. If I’m in Paris, I remain careful and in Dhaka, the same.”
She also said the threat is not for any specific country and there are some terrorists everywhere. “So we adapt to our way of living.” Responding to a question, the diplomat said there is no ban from France on coming and living in Bangladesh. Italian Ambassador Mario Palma also said there is no ban on coming to or living in Bangladesh for Italians. “Rather, we invite our nationals to live in Bangladesh. Let’s go on with our normal life.” Responding to a question on investigation into Italian citizen killing, he said his understanding is that there is some progress and more time is needed to get the full picture on investigation. “Let the investigators do their job.” Mario Palma also said the investigators want to have a complete picture on investigation and then they will tell about it to press. The diplomat hoped that the right culprits to be taken to the custody and so it better to take time.
Responding to a question on ISIL link, the Italian envoy said, “Your government says it was posted from Bangladesh and there could be some locals or individuals using IS link.” In the meeting held at the Secretariat, Rashed Khan Menon said unfolding the mystery behind the killing of two foreign nationals is now a matter of time, according to a PID handout. “Bangladesh is a liberal democratic country…there’s no place here for militancy, extremism, fundamentalism and communalism,” said Menon. Highlighting Bangladesh’s peaceful scenario, Menon told the envoys that the government of Bangladesh believes in zero tolerance to terrorism.