Staff Reporter :European Union envoy Pierre Mayaudon has urged the government to ensure security of foreigners in each and every corner of the country like Gulshan-Banani.The call was made at a meeting between the EU representative team and Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at the Secretariat in the city on Sunday, the EU envoy said.Raising the issue of current security affairs, Pierre Mayaudon said the foreigners are very much anxious following back-to-back militant attacks at Gulshan and Sholakia. “In the wake of such terror attacks, Bangladesh will have to take such security measures, which will bring back the confidence of foreigners,” he said.He said: “The security of Gulshan and Banani is important but the government of Bangladesh must ensure security of the whole country… If 16 crore people of the country feel secure, the foreigners who are living here for various reasons, including business, will also feel protected.” The EU envoy also urged for taking quick steps to ensure security in all sectors, including private establishments.On the other hand, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said that government is actively considering to form a specialized force to protect the foreigners who are engaged in trade and business in Bangladesh. In the wake of terror attacks, the government is giving highest priority to the security issue, the Minister said.He said, “The anxiety among the foreigners after Gulshan and Sholakia attacks is now evaporated. The EU expressed satisfaction following tough stance taken by the government.”Tofail Ahmed further said Bangladesh would be a safe place for the foreigners.Ambassador of Sweden Johan Frisell, Ambassador of Spain Eduardo de Laiglesia y del Rosal, Ambassador of the Netherlands Mrs. Leoni Cuelenaere, High Commissioner of United Kingdom Mrs. Alison Blake, Charge d’Affaires of Italy Giuseppe Semenza and representatives of Germany and Denmark, among others, attended the dialogue.Besides, the businesspersons of EU were also present at the meeting.
