Staff Reporter:
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government does not want to discriminate in terms of providing additional security escorts to any foreign diplomat in Dhaka, but they can avail such facilities in exchange for payment.
Envoys from a number of countries, including the US and UK, are receiving such additional security services. Such services availed by four diplomats have been withdrawn.
“If they want it, they can get it on payment. We will not provide this extra (security) escort service with taxpayers’ money,” the foreign minister said.
Responding to a question, Momen said five to six diplomats receive such service and more diplomats want this. “This is becoming difficult for us,” he said.
The foreign minister said the government is not willing to spend additional money as regular security service is in place.
“In developed countries, no government provides such extra facilities,” Momen said.
The minister said there has been no deterioration of the law and order situation that such service is re-quired.
