No information on Tarique Rahman's travel pass: Foreign Affairs Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain said that the government has no information yet regarding the travel pass of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman.

He said this after a briefing for diplomats on the 13th National Assembly elections and referendum organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the State Guest House Padma on Thursday (December 18).

At a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (December 17) evening, the Foreign Affairs Adviser also said that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has not yet applied for any travel document to the interim government to return to Bangladesh.

In Thursday's briefing, foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka were informed about the government's preparations and security measures for the upcoming 13th National Assembly elections and referendum. At this time, the Election Commission promised to welcome foreign observers and ensure the security of the embassies.

From 2:30 pm onwards, flag-carrying vehicles of embassies of various countries including the United States, China, Russia, Pakistan, Spain, Norway, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Brunei, Turkey, Australia, Germany, Italy, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates were seen entering the State Guest House Padma. In addition, vehicles carrying representatives of the United Nations and the European Union were also present. A few flag-less vehicles also entered there.

Later, a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that in a briefing, Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam detailed the preparations and security arrangements of the interim government for the parliamentary elections and referendum. He invited foreign diplomats and development partners to send observers.

The briefing also said that the country's law enforcement forces, including the armed forces, are on high alert and necessary measures have been taken to ensure the security of the embassies. About 40 diplomats from various embassies in Dhaka were present at the meeting.