US envoy in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat speaking at discussion on Monday organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
Dhaka and Washington have “everything” needed to fight Islamic State (IS) in Bangladesh, US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat says.
Her comment follows the murder of two foreign nationals in Bangladesh within a week, for both of which the IS has claimed responsibility.
The government, however, denied the presence of IS in Bangladesh.
Earlier on Sunday, Bernicat told journalists in Chittagong that the US has taken “seriously” IS’s claim of responsibility for the two murders.
“….we are working hard right now with your government to verify whether or not those claims are accurate,” she had said.
Bernicat told diplomatic correspondents in Dhaka on Monday that the two countries needed ‘joint efforts’ to fight violent extremism.
She also extolled Bangladesh’s approach against terrorism.
“We have everything we need to fight the emergence of IS in Bangladesh,” she said.
“Bangladesh has a Prime Minister who has taken a zero tolerance approach to terrorism.
“As partners over the years, we have developed the resources, the commitment, and the shared experiences we need to counter terrorism and violent extremism,” she said.
Bernicat said terrorism was “a global issue that requires a coordinated, global approach”.
“And we are determined to work together with our shared partners for the safety and security of our countries,” she said.
This was her first interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) since she took the charge in February this year.
She said there were “so many important stories” to share about the US – Bangladesh relationship.
US envoy in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat speaking at discussion on Monday organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB).
“Our two countries have a common vision not just for our bilateral relationship, but for the region”.
“Let me be clear: the US – Bangladesh relationship is stronger than ever before and our interests are more closely aligned,” she said citing examples of engagements between the countries.
Those range from the countering violent extremism to health sector cooperation.
“We approach Bangladesh as our full-fledged partner, whether we are collaborating on security, development or economic issues,” Bernicat said.
She referred to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s speech in the UNGA where she clearly mentioned that terrorism and violent extremism remain major impediments to global peace and development, and terrorists do not have any religion and boundary.
Stressing on joint efforts to address security challenges, she said: “The best we can do is to investigate the killings thoroughly considering every possibilities. We have to work together. Terrorists try to destroy our way of life.”
“Both attacks are done in a very similar manner and it is unusual in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people’s hospitality to foreigners is legendary. It has not changed.”
Replying to a question, she said, in order for any threat to be considered credible they look at whole range of sources — both public, from their partners and their own sources.
“That’s certainly the case here.”
She also said when IS takes credit for all such incidents anywhere in the world, the US seeks to verify that information.
As an US envoy, she said, her very first priority would be to protect their citizens and that’s why they issue travel advisories.
She, however, said the Bangladesh advisory does not say ‘do not to come to Bangladesh’ or leave Bangladesh.
“It said please exercise caution. We shared that information with our citizens not to create panic but to act cautiously,” she clarified.
She said US would continue to support Bangladesh to help it achieve the new sustainable development goals.
On the matter of reinstating GSP facility for Bangladesh, the US envoy said that it was an area that requires “more work”.
Source: Bd news24
Barnicat can go to hell.
She should go back to USA.