In light of local and foreign nationals being killed in a spate of recent terrorist attacks, the US is placing special importance on steps against terrorism and militancy in Bangladesh.
Washington has been reportedly concerned about the safety of its diplomats in Bangladesh, particularly after the killing of Xulhas Mannan, a local staff of USAID. Under the circumstances, the US has stressed the need to step up security collaboration.
Officials of the home and foreign ministries have said Bangladesh responded positively to Washington’s proposal for cooperation, as conveyed by US assistant secretary of state Nisha Desai Biswal and three other senior officials of the US state department during their visits.
Dhaka told the visiting officials that it would carry out a needs assessment to determine the particular fields where security collaboration would be required.
Bangladesh raised the issue of improving cyber security through the use of appropriate software, exchange of information and enhancing the abilities of the law enforcement agencies.
The Bangladesh officials have said that the US has repeatedly pointed to involvement of the international terrorist organisations, IS and al Qaeda in particular, in the recent terrorist attacks.
Bangladesh authorities, however, maintain that these incidents have been carried out by local militants.
Despite these different views, the US and Bangladesh are going ahead with security cooperation.
Foreign ministry officials feel that the anti-terrorism and militancy issue will feature prominently in the fifth partnership dialogue between the two countries to take place on 24 and 25 June in Washington.
Former Bangladesh ambassador to the US M Humayun Kabir told Prothom Alo, “In keeping with national interests, we must make a realistic assessment of how to tackle the global problems of terrorism and militancy. We must accordingly take necessary measures for regional and international cooperation. Emphasis must be placed on cooperation with various friendly countries.”
Source: Prothom Alo
