Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Thursday informed visiting US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs Nisha Desai Biswal that there is no connection of IS militants with recent attacks in Bangladesh.
‘We told her that there’s no IS in Bangladesh. The homegrown criminals are behind the recent terrorist attacks. They’re committing crimes to create panic among people and destablise the country,’ he said.
While talking to reporters after a meeting with Biswal, the minister also said the homegrown criminals and militants are now under control, reports United News of Bangladesh.
On the other hand, the US Assistant Secretary said they have ‘no reason to doubt’ claims by the terrorists groups saying they either ‘sought to work or are trying to create connections with groups’ here.
Biswal, while talking to media, said they want to see the “conclusion” of the government efforts and investigations into the case of Xulhaz killing.
‘We’re willing to support those efforts,’ she said mentioning that the Home Minister told them that efforts are being made and investigations are on into the brutal murder of Xulhaz Mannan.
Biswal said the US is committed to ‘disrupting’ those efforts (from terrorists groups) and working with Bangladesh to ensure that those groups do not get ‘foothold’ in this beautiful country.
The US Assistant Secretary offered help to combat terrorism and extremism.
Asaduzzaman said a US team will come to Bangladesh for providing training to counterterrorism and cybercrime unit members on capacity building.
Biswal also called for consensus on the issues of global terrorism and global threat, the minister added.
The US Assistant Secretary said they are very ‘saddened and outraged’ at the brutal killing of Xulhaz.
She said US Secretary John Kerry asked her to come and carry his message to prime minister Sheikh Hasina to underscore the partnership as they are saddened and outraged at the killings of many other courageous Bangladeshis who have stood for the diversity, vibrancy and beauty of culture and the society.
Biswal mentioned that in her meeting with Bangladesh prime minister, they focused on the areas they can continue to work together.
‘We look forward to deepening our partnership together so that we can all seek to preserve the richness, beauty and diversity of this glorious country and its people,’ she said.
The US official also said she is very happy to offer supports and the commitment of the United States as Bangladesh seeks to stride against forces of terrorism and extremism.
She mentioned that Bangladesh and the USA have a deep partnership and this partnership is based on shared values of democracy, tolerance of inclusion. ‘It’s a partnership that is broad and deep and encompasses all endeavours of economic, security and development cooperation.’
Biswal mentioned that the partnership between the two countries is ‘deepening and growing’ every year.
Source: New Age
