The diplomats stationed in Dhaka have raised deep concerns on human rights violations, security of foreign investments and security of their families and residences.
They raised all these concerns when Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain his maiden briefing for the diplomats at the state guest house Padma on Monday after the formation of an interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was present.
USA, UK, China, EU, India, Pakistan took part in the meeting with the Foreign Affairs Adviser.
A total of 65 diplomats from different countries were present in the briefing.
"Human rights are one of the concerns of the diplomats. We said we are working on eliminating discrimination in order to uphold human rights," Foreign Affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain told the reporters after the briefing with diplomats.
The interim government sought the support and cooperation of the international community in its efforts to implement essential policy and institutional reforms for a democratic and prosperous future for the country, adviser said.
"As part of our renewed nation-building efforts, Bangladesh would need the unstinting support and cooperation of the international community," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Tohid Hossian told diplomats.
The adviser said he assured them that more security will be provided within a few days after consulting with the home affairs adviser.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid briefed the diplomats over the current situation and steps taken so far to get back to normalcy.
He assured the international community of an improved situation, with adequate security measures in place.
Touhid Hossain also affirmed that the government shall uphold and promote all its international legal obligations, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
"The interim government appreciates the positive and constructive remarks of our international partners after its formation.
The government affirms that it will nurture friendly relations with all countries in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding and shared interests," he said.
"We stress that the government shall adhere to all international, regional and bilateral instruments it is a Party to. Under the interim government, Bangladesh shall continue to remain an active proponent of multilateralism, with the UN at the core.
"We look forward to maintaining and enhancing Bangladesh's value-driven contributions to UN peacekeeping operations."
He said the ousted Awami League government, in their efforts to suppress the popular movement, committed gross human rights violations by abusing and misusing the state power.
However, the sheer force of 'people's power' added momentum to the movement leading to the fall of the authoritarian regime led by Sheikh Hasina, he said.
Subsequently, the interim government was formed led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, he said. He hoped the interim government would continue to enjoy the unqualified support of the people and the international community.
"They wanted to know about security measures and Rohingya issues apart from issues related to the prevailing situation," the Foreign Adviser has said.
Meanwhile, emerging from the briefing Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen termed the present condition of Bangladesh as its internal affair.
"It is internal affairs of Bangladesh," he said.
"We welcome the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh. We want to continue working with the Bangladesh government and expand the scope of our strategic relationship."
He also mentioned that China welcomes the formation of the interim government.
"China will continue to work with Bangladesh," the Ambassador told reporters after the meeting.
The adviser said one of the diplomats expressed his desire to see the representation of youths in the future elected government.
He conveyed to the diplomats that the interim government is very serious about human rights issues. The adviser referred to the inclusion of advisers who have track records of working on human rights issues.
He said they shared the objectives of the interim government and explained the context of forming the interim government.
Regarding foreign investments in the country, he said, "We told them that they should not be disappointed. Security will be ensured so that their investments can be protected.''
The diplomats also talked about Rohingyas and foreign students in the country, he added.
He said the most pressing task before this interim government is to bring normalcy to the overall law and order situation, and that it is working towards that end.
Touhid Hossain said the government will remain committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, upholding the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of the press.
"It will make sincere efforts to promote national reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and accountability. In a drastically changed scenario, all political parties are now free to voice their views and opinions," he added.
The interim government makes it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all deaths and violence committed during the recent mass uprising through nationally-led, independent investigation and judicial processes, he said.
The government is pledge-bound to ensure the safety and security of all religious and ethnic groups and will not tolerate any violence or intimidation against them, he said.
He also assured that the safety and security of the diplomatic and consular premises and persons will remain one of the core priorities.
"We also remain sensitized to the need to ensure the protection of all foreign citizens residing in our territory."
