Swedish ambassador has 'no security concern' in Bangladesh

Outgoing Swedish Ambassador Johan Frisell has reportedly said he ‘never felt any doubt about security situation’ in Bangladesh as there was no recurrence of the Gulshan cafe-like incident after July 2016.

He made the comment while paying a farewell call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

During the meeting, Frisell thanked the government for taking “stringent” security measures to ensure the safety of diplomats and foreign nationals following the July 1 terrorist attack at Gulshan last year.

The state minister referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ‘zero tolerance policy’ and reiterated government’s strong determination to fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

He congratulated the ambassador on his successfully arranging the first-ever bilateral official visit by the prime minister to the Nordic country last month.

Shahriar termed Scandinivian countries, notably Sweden, as “role model” for peace, security, the rule of law and human rights.

He expressed optimism that Bangladesh would be able to tap into their values, experiences and practices as it aspires to be a middle-income country by 2021.

Ambassador Frisell thanked the state minister for extending cooperation during his stay in Dhaka.