Secretary of State John Kerry said USA and Bangladesh intelligence and law enforcement agencies will work more closely together to fight extremists after a spate of attacks on locals and foreigners alike raised concerns the Islamic State is spreading its network here.
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“We would fight with Bangladesh to combat terrorism. we have enough experts in this regard and we could help Bangladesh by giving these experts”, USA secretary of state John Kerry was quoted to have said as he called on prime minister Sheikh Hasina at her office at noon.
During his meeting with top leaders Kerry discussed important security issues.
The United States and Bangladesh have a “longstanding partnership” with “programmes in place for many, many years that deal with counter-terrorism and security partnership”, a senior US State Department official said ahead of Kerry’s arrival. “There was no argument about it”, he added after talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration which has consistently denied that IS has gained a foothold in Bangladesh. “He said they have enough expertise to combat terrorism”.
Muslim-majority Bangladesh faces a growing threat of militant violence with a string of incidents this year including the killing of several liberal activists and attacks on minority Shi’ite Muslims, Christian priest, Hindu temples, bloggers and free-thinkers.
“Definitely Tamim’s death is a major setback for the terrorists, especially in the short term”, said Abdur Rob, professor of politics and security issues at the private North South University.
“One of the things that has to happen is how we report on this has to maintain perspective, and not empower in any way these terrorist organizations or elevate them in ways that make it easier for them to recruit or make them stronger”, Obama said during a press conference in Malaysia. We are reassured by the Secretary’s comments that the U.S. will assist Bangladesh on all important sectors related to our development.
In India, Kerry will attend the seventh meeting of the U.S. -India strategic dialogue. Bangladesh will see more USA engagements in countering terrorism, he said.
Landing in Dhaka around 10:10am, Kerry first visited Bangabandhu museum in Dhanmondi 32.
“I understand your sensitivity, the issue is under review”, Kerry said yesterday. Instead it says the extremism is largely homegrown and has been fomented by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
Highly praising Bangladesh’s tremendous development in socio-economic progress, Kerry said Bangladesh has been doing “brilliantly” in the sector.
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He is also scheduled to hold talks with Bangladesh Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali.
