Italian Ambassador to Dhaka Mario Palma expressed his satisfaction over the security measures taken by the government after the killing of a citizen of his country in 2015 and Holy Artisan Bakery incident in which several Italians along with others lost their lives in July last year. At the same time, he said that terrorist threats against foreigners still remain and that Bangladesh has been suffering a problem related to a ‘perception that foreigners can be subjected to terrorist attacks’. Meanwhile, an envoy of an influential European country has described the ruling Awami League’s ‘closeness’ with Hefazat-e-Islam as a ‘wrong path’ which can be
‘counterproductive’.  “Yes, we are happy with the government measures to enhance the security of our mission and its staff since the tragic incidents of killing of our citizen Cesare Tavella in September 29 and a number of our citizens at Holy Artisan Bakery in July, last year,” Italian envoy told The Independent at his residence on May 22 at a ceremony organised on the occasion of Italy’s National Day.
“But, the threats against foreigners still exist,” he said.
“Look, aside from the existing terrorist threats against foreigners in Bangladesh, you have to deal with an important issue. And, that is perception. No country is immune to terrorist attacks. But perception-wise, Bangladesh is not in a comfortable position. I am sure your government is taking care of this issue,” said Palma.
“I don’t know about the security of all of our citizens living in your country. But, we are happy with the security measures taken with regards to our embassy, embassy staff and their residences,” he said.
Praising the efforts of the law enforcers to foil the terrorist attacks before happening with the help of ordinary people, the envoy noted that terrorism is ‘spreading across the country and now they can carry out attacks without any outside help’.
“It’s very encouraging that law enforcers are foiling attempted attacks. And, ordinary people’s cooperation in this regard is commendable. But, you will also have to look at the fact that incidents of foiling attacks are taking place in new places which indicates that it is spreading and the terrorists have somewhat become self-sufficient. And, they are now, perhaps, capable of carrying out attacks without any outside help,” he said.
“This issue needs attention,” he added.
Asked if he is satisfied with the legal process regarding the murder of Cesare Tavella and the Italian citizens at the Holy Artisan Bakery, the envoy refused to comment, saying, “We only know as much that you people let us know.”
The counter-terrorism cooperation between Dhaka and Rome will continue as in today’s world no country can face this menace on its own, he added.
Meanwhile, at the same ceremony, an ambassador of an influential European country echoed the sentiment of his Italian colleague with regard to terrorist threat.
He also praised the efforts of law enforcers with the involvement of common people to thwart any terrorist attacks. The ambassador, however, described ruling Awami League’s ‘closeness’ with Hefazat-e-Islam as a ‘wrong path’, saying that it is very unlikely that it would bring a positive result.
“The closeness with this type of religion-based entities can be counterproductive. If you give them a finger today, they will ask for the whole hand tomorrow. If you give in to their demand of removing the sculpture from the Supreme Court premises now, in future they will demand to remove other sculptures,” he said.
“The Awami League appears to be moving away from the very spirit of the Bangladesh’s War of Liberation through making a compromise with Hefazat. As far as I know, Bangladesh became independent aiming to establish a secular society,” he added.