Task Force to forward diplomats’ pleas to PM

The Task Force on the security of diplomats and diplomatic premises, a new kind of security body for the diplomats stationed in Dhaka, has decided to send all pleas of the diplomats to the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take a policy decision in this regards to address the diplomats' security requirements.
The eight -member Task Force, led by Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, was formed after the terrorist attack at a Gulshan restaurant that killed 22 people predominantly foreigners.
The Task Force has taken up this decision on Thursday in a meeting held at National Guest House Padma, however, the meeting discussed entire issue related to the security for the foreigners in general, diplomats in particular.
Reviewing all the pleas of the diplomats, the special Task Force in its first meeting, expressed satisfaction over the law enforcing agencies activities in different security related issues of the diplomats and officials of the diplomatic missions as well as International Organizations in Bangladesh.
 In the wake of Gulshan attack, several countries, including the United States of America, Japan, France and Spain, have asked the government to allow their security guards to carry arms. Some countries sought permission to use armoured vehicles.
 "We need to take a guideline from the decision making body of the high ups, however, we also need the government's nod about the decisions of the Task Force which has been established following the attack at Holy Artisan Bakery," an official told the Daily Observer following the meeting.
 However, the government has decided to enhance security of the foreigners, diplomats in particular, as well as to prepare them for measures to be taken during any extremist attack in future.
The meeting was held with Foreign Minister A H Mahmood Ali, MP in the chair.
The meeting expressed satisfaction with the measures taken to enhance vigilance and patrol in the diplomatic area for their protection.