The US Seeks Security of Embassy Staff in Dhaka

Expressing concern about the security of US Ambassador Peter Haas, the US has called for ensuring the security of the embassy staff in Dhaka.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman called State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam on Thursday (December 22) and discussed this issue. Later in a statement, US State Department spokesman Ned Price highlighted various aspects of the discussion between them.

He said that the Deputy Minister of State and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs discussed strengthening US-Bangladesh relations, holding free and fair elections, and security and safety of US Embassy personnel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a circular that State Minister Shahriar Alam discussed the mutual priorities of bilateral relations with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sharman over the phone. Among other things, they discussed mutual commitments regarding the Vienna Charter of Diplomatic Relations.

It also said that Shahriar Alam confirmed that the government is determined to ensure the security of the diplomatic community in Bangladesh. He assured the US Deputy Secretary of State by telephone that ambassadors would continue to receive adequate security as always.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said that ambassadors should understand the political history of Bangladesh before making public statements.

According to the notification, during the phone conversation, Wendy Sharman mentioned her visit to Bangladesh. She congratulated the State Minister for the recent victory of Bangladesh in the elections to the United Nations Human Rights Council. She also expressed satisfaction with supporting each other in international forums.

Incidentally, the US Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter De Haas, went to Shaheen Bagh of the capital on December 14 to meet the members of an organization called 'Mayer Dak'. At that time, another organization called 'Mayer Kanna' wanted to meet him. In this incident, the ambassador quickly left the area.

Later he met Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and expressed concern about his security. Even the US State Department has called the ambassador of Bangladesh posted in the country and expressed their concern.