Staff Reporter :
Based on reliable information, the citizens of United States have been instructed to use caution when travelling throughout the country, said US Ambassador in Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat on Monday.
“We had updated our alert notice for our citizens while they would travel in Bangladesh. In the message, we didn’t ask the US citizens to leave Bangladesh or forbid not to come here,” she said while addressing a Diplomatic Correspondents’ Association Bangladesh (DCAB) meeting at National Press Club in city.
Marcia Bernicat attached highest importance on joint efforts to address the violent extremism including Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
“Bangladesh Prime Minister has taken a zero tolerance against terrorism. We have everything we need to fight the emergence of ISIL in Bangladesh,” she said.
She said they now feel safer than before following all-out security measures in city.
“We feel safe now. We are determined to work together for the greater interest of our countries’ securities,” the US Ambassador said. When asked whether any existence of ISIL in Bangladesh she said the US will verify the issue.
“As partners over the years, we have developed the resources, the commitment, and the shared experiences we need to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” Marcia Bernicat said. Replying to a query she said if Bangladesh government wants any cooperation to unearth the mystery of the killings of Japanese national Kunio and Italian citizen Cesare Tavella, the US is ready to extend its all-out supports and cooperation.
Her comments came days after unidentified gunmen shot Japanese national Kunio Hoshi dead in Rangpur city and Italian citizen Cesare Tavella in Dhaka’s Diplomatic Zone in the same fashion.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry and the Home Ministry are jointly planning to arrange a briefing for diplomats today (Tuesday) over the security issues following the killing of two foreign nationals.
