Security tightened in diplomatic zone following threat emails

Security has been beefed up across the diplomatic zone in Dhaka’s Baridhara and Gulshan areas following threat messages sent by email to the Chinese and Russian embassies in the capital.

Abu Khair, additional deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) Diplomatic Security Division, confirmed the development on Sunday.

The police official said the Chinese and Russian embassies had received threats via email. In accordance with diplomatic protocol, the embassies first informed Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry subsequently notified the Police Headquarters and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit.

Following the reports, surveillance and monitoring in the diplomatic zone were increased. Police also said routine security measures at and around the embassies had been tightened.

Asked about the source of the threats, Abu Khair said no written complaint or general diary (GD) had yet been filed with the police. However, he said it was initially suspected that the emails could be fake or part of a scam.

Although no formal complaint has been filed, law enforcement agencies said they were taking no chances and would maintain heightened security in the diplomatic zone to prevent any potential risk.