Against the backdrop of recent terror attacks, the European Union (EU) suggested that Bangladesh should further improve security measures to restore confidence both foreigner and locals.
Some progress has already been made due to necessary steps taken by the government. Security measures in Bangladesh should be further developed, Pierre Mayaudon, ambassador and head of the EU delegation in Bangladesh, told reporters Sunday after a meeting with Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on the country's present security situation at the ministry.
The European diplomat said security measures should be developed across the country, especially in the district level. The EU business community based in Bangladesh conveyed their expectation to the government regarding security situation in the context of Holey Artisan Bakery incident, which left 28 people dead, mostly foreigners.
"We have discussed some particular issues. We have discussed taking necessary steps so that foreign and local investors and businesses keep continuing their own activities in Bangladesh," Mr Pierre Mayaudon said.
Required step is essential for ensuring security of the country's 160 million people's interest. For this, the EU has sought to take necessary steps to restore confidence of both the investors and busineses and to make business-friendly environment, he mentioned.
The envoy expressed the hope that business-climate dialogue between Bangladesh and the EU would be continued in future.
Senior secretary of the ministry of commerce Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, ambassadors of Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands, the British High Commissioner, representatives of other EU countries' embassies and members of a business delegation of the EU were present at the exchange-of-views meeting.
Supreme and necessary security measures have been ensured for foreign businessmen and diplomats in the country. Situtation is about to be normal due to strict steps taken by the government, said Tofail Ahmed after the meeting with the EU delegation.
"We hope that unexpected event will not happen again in the country. People of the country are united against terrorism," the commerce minister said in the light of discussion with them.   
Diplomats and businesses of different EU countries expressed satisfaction over the security steps so far taken by the government to curb terrorist activities. There will be no impact on trade and investment activities of the EU countries with Bangladesh, he said.
The minister further said the government has taken requisite effective measures. More terrorist plans have already been destroyed after the Gulshan occurrence. The government will provide all kinds of assistance to the businesses if they demand.
"The country's situation is now normal," he told the reporters.   
The business council between Bangladesh and the EU is working together. 'Three plus five (comprising three secretaries and five ambassadors)' meeting will be held on August 18. Business and investment situtation will be discussed there, he mentioned.
Mr Tofail, also a veteran leader of the ruling Awami League, asserted: "There is no space for terrorists in the country. Bangladesh is always safe for foreigners."
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Source: The Financial Express