12 countries seek extra security

At least a dozen countries have sought additional security from the Bangladesh government for their diplomats and citizens.

The Dhaka missions of these countries, including the US, Australia and Japan, sent letters to the foreign ministry to take steps to this effect since the murder of Italian national Cesare Tavella in the capital's diplomatic zone on September 28, diplomatic sources told The Daily Star yesterday.

Several member states of the European Union are among the countries that made the request.

They asked the government to put in place extra security measures at their missions and offices, and the places where their diplomats and citizens reside or visit.

Asked, Assistant Commissioner (Gulshan zone) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police Rafiqul Islam said he was unaware of the matter.

He, however, said security measures have already been beefed up in the entire diplomatic zone.