Govt steps satisfy US, France, Italy

The USA, France and Italy yesterday expressed satisfaction over the security measures taken by the Bangladesh government to ensure safety of foreigners.

Marcia Bernicat, US ambassador in Dhaka, said the government of Bangladesh has been extremely responsive to their requests to help ensure foreigners' safety in the face of the current threat.

Answering questions in a Facebook chat, she said the deaths of Italian citizen Cesare Tavella and Japanese national Kunio Hoshi have affected them all, reports UNB.

“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.”

Meanwhile, French Ambassador Sophie Aubert and Italian Ambassador Mario Palma, after their meeting with Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon, said they were living a normal life without any fear.

“Had I not felt safe, I would not have been here,” the French envoy told reporters.

She, however, said they were 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.”

The threat, she noted, is not for any specific country and there are some terrorists everywhere. “So we adapt to our way of living.”

Italian Ambassador Mario Palma 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.”

About the investigation into the killing of Italian citizen, he said his understanding is that some progress has been made and more time is needed to get the full picture on the probe.

He hoped that the right culprits would be taken to custody.

About the suspected IS link to the murder, Palma said, “Your government says it was posted from Bangladesh and there could be some locals or individuals using IS link.”