India asks Bangladesh to step up security for its nationals

India has asked Bangladesh to step up the security of Indian nationals in the neighboring country, following intelligence inputs that terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e Toiba may be planning to attack them, local media reported Tuesday.

Indian intelligence agencies have communicated to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs that LeT was planning to target Indian diplomats and nationals working in different projects in Bangladesh in a bid to create a hostage situation, said local daily Indian Express.

New Delhi has already taken up the matter with Dhaka, and has been assured increased security for Indians living in Bangladesh, said the paper.

The terror threat has alarmed New Delhi since the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka has been cracking down on terror groups and elements, including those belonging to the Lashkar, ever since it returned to power in 2008.

While it is relatively easy to secure Indian diplomats who number about 30, it is not exactly the same with Indian nationals working there -- they are estimated to be around 30,000, working in government projects and private establishments, the report said.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the consulates in Chittagong and Rajshahi are guarded by local police.

There has been a security review and talks are on to assess whether Indian security agencies should be asked to secure the missions, it said.

Source: Xinhua