B'desh govt may offer security to foreigners: minister

Still reeling from the aftermath of the terror attack on a cafe here, Bangladesh government today said it was mulling offering security to foreigners in the country, especially to those doing business.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed had been claiming that the killings of Italian buyers of Bangladeshi garments and Japanese consultants of Dhaka Metrorail project had not affected the country's businesses.
But after meeting a delegation of the European Union at his office, he sounded concerned about the security of the foreigners, BDNews24.Com reported.
"Our top priority will be giving security to our foreign friends, who do business in Bangladesh. Many may travel to Chittagong, Khulna or Barisal by road. We will provide them escort if necessary," it quoted Tofail as saying.

He said the decision to provide the foreigners with security while travel was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
"We will also arrange security for the establishments here (Dhaka)," Tofail said.

Bangladesh is second only to China, the world's second- largest apparel exporter of western brands. Exports of textiles and garments are the principal source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.
EU Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon also stressed the need for security for foreigners across Bangladesh - not only in Dhaka's diplomatic district Gulshan and adjacent Banani and Baridhara areas.
On July 1, suspected Islamic State terrorists killed 22 people, mostly foreigners at a popular restaurant frequented by expatriates in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave.

The country has also witnessed a series of high-profile attacks on Hindus, other religious minorities, secular bloggers and publishers.