Staff Reporter :Bangladesh Government on Sunday said that it does not see any reason behind the fresh security alert by the United States of America (USA), and also termed it ‘totally unfortunate’. “No situation has arisen…..no incident has taken place here that may threaten security of US citizens. We see no such a situation for which the US can update its travel alert here in Bangladesh,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Sunday.The Home Minister made the statement following Saturday’s fresh US security alert for American citizens in Bangladesh, which said terrorist threat remains “real and credible”.Kamal said: “The US did not provide the government any specific information or source of it for which they were prompted to update the travel alert. However, we did not take the issue lightly. We’ve ensured adequate security in city’s diplomatic zone of Dhaka and for all foreigners staying in Bangladesh.”About the murders of two foreigners, the Home Boss also said: “The Prime Minister has already said the incidents are part of a foreign and local plot. Two foreign nationals were killed to impede the country’s development and make the government embarrassed.””A conspiracy is being hatched at home and abroad against the country. And the security alert itself has international conspiracy link,” he said, adding, “But it’s very unfortunate for us when we see the USA again issued security alert. In the wake of such situation, we still remain alert. Today (Sunday) I also held meeting with the high ups of different law enforcing and intelligence agencies,” he said.Replying to a query about the progress of two foreign national murder cases, the home minister said they are taking every step very cautiously. “The investigation into the two foreigners murder cases is being headed in the right direction. We don’t want to stage any drama like Joj Mia.”He further said there is no existence of Islamic State in Bangladesh. “IS or other militant extremist group don’t commit such murder,” he said.Meanwhile, several other ministers also termed the US fresh alert as ‘too much’. The US did not provide any specific information or source about it for which they were prompted to update the travel alert, they added.Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed on Sunday said no situation has arisen in the country for which the US can update its security alert for its citizen in Bangladesh. “It’s just too much,” he said in a sideline after placing wreaths at the grave of Sheikh Russel, the youngest son of Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Banani graveyard in city.Besides, State Minister for foreign affairs Shahriar Alam on Sunday said there is no scope to make comment on US’s fresh security alert. “US did not provide us any specific information or source of it for which they were prompted to update the travel alert,” he briefed journalists at the foreign ministry office. Replying to a query, he said there is reason for deteriorating relations with the western countries. However, US Ambassador in Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat on Sunday said that the USA did not issue any fresh alert rather it updated alert notice for its citizens while they would travel in Bangladesh “The US government will continue its cooperation with Bangladesh. Security has been beefed up for US nationals living in Bangladesh. In this regard we are satisfied over police role here,” she said in a sideline after attending at a function at BRAC Center at Mohakhali in city.Replying to a query about the progress in two foreign national murder cases, Marcia Bernicat said Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina recently in a statement in New York said there is no room for terrorism and militancy in the world. “She had called for an internal cooperation against terrorism and militancy. The US government is ready to respond to her call,” the US Ambassador said.US fresh message provides an update regarding the continued threat against foreigners. As advised in previous Security Messages for U.S. Citizens, reliable information suggests that a terrorist attack could occur against Westerners in Bangladesh, including attacks against large gatherings of Westerners at international hotels.ISIL claimed responsibility for the September 28 killing of an Italian national and the October 3 killing of a Japanese national. Future attacks against Westerners may occur, including against U.S. citizens. Security agencies in Bangladesh have taken extraordinary measures to increase security for foreigners in Bangladesh, but the terrorist threat remains real and credible.The Embassy strongly encourages U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Bangladesh to take precautions, remain vigilant about their personal security, and be alert to local security developments. Embassy employees continue to observe careful security practices when traveling throughout Bangladesh. U.S. government personnel and their families are not permitted to be in most public places and are also prohibited from traveling on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, rickshaw or other uncovered means on all public thoroughfares and sidewalks. They are also restricted from attending large gatherings in Bangladesh, including events at international hotels, unless they have obtained permission from the Embassy’s security office.
