The government is actively considering slightly amending laws to further strengthen security for foreigners, including diplomats, against the backdrop of specific proposals made by a number of countries following the July 1 Gulshan terrorist attack.

Diplomatic sources said some countries including Japan and Italy sought permission to use bulletproof vehicles while others including the US were pressing for allowing their private security forces to carry firearms.

Though there are some past instances on the use of bulletproof vehicles, no existing law allows the forces to carry firearms. As per the Geneva Conventions, the host coun-

try is to provide diplomatic security.

The minor amendments, if necessary, will come through discussion and further scrutiny, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam told journalists atthe ministry yesterday.

He said he could not share the measures, until fully implemented, 'specifically" with the media.

A taskforce formed following the attack, in its first meeting on August 4, recommended some “new measures" to strengthen security for diplomats, diplomatic premises and officials there.

Shahriar said the taskforce, led by Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali, would continue discussing the issues.

Replying to a question, he said rumours that foreigners were leaving following the attack were totally wrong. Sharing immigration department data, he said on an average some 1,000 people go abroad and 1,500-2,000 arrive every day.

He said visitor numbers was low as

the summer vacation was ongoing and that visits were being cancelled can only be said if the trend continued after the vacation in late August and September's first week.

Shahriar said normalcy would return through sustenance of the current improved law and order situation.

He said Bangladesh underwent a similar challenge last year after the killing of a Japanese national and Italian citizen.

"Our challenge is to reinstate the sense of security among our nationals and foreign friends. Through a certain process it will be restored," he added.