Terror threat still exists in Bangladesh
Monday, May 4, 2009
Staff Correspondent
US Ambassador James Moriarty said there is still a terrorist threat in Bangladesh and the US has disturbing indications in this regard.
"We do have disturbing indications that there continues to be threat in Bangladesh…my government does believe that there is a threat here," he told reporters during Meet the Reporters programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) yesterday.
"The recent seizure of weapons in Bhola and continued arrests of JMB members throughout the country demonstrate that terrorism remains a concern," he said.
DRU organised the programme on Bangladesh-US bilateral relations.
The US ambassador to Bangladesh said the US has offered help to Bangladesh in reconstituting border security force Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). This is an area where the US can help and it depends on the Bangladesh government's requirements, he added.
He described the US-Bangladesh relationship with three D's--democracy, development and denial of space to terrorists.
He said the US continues to work closely with Bangladesh in areas like training of members of law enforcement agencies, including Rab, to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.
He said, "The government and the opposition have to realise that there are fundamental questions that the nation needs to address." He said despite the peaceful and democratic elections on December 29, challenges remain.
"Compromise and bipartisanship are critical to any democracy functioning properly. There is also a need to strengthen the institutions vital to a healthy democracy," he said.
The diplomat also said the government and the opposition can respond to critical needs of citizens by working together regardless of party affiliation.
On the parliament's forthcoming budget session, he said the government should provide the opposition meaningful opportunities to discuss and debate on the upcoming budget and the opposition should reach out to the government looking for consensus.
Asked about the war criminals' trial, Moriarty said the US government firmly believes that those who commit crimes need to be held accountable in the court of law. The courts of law should be free, fair and transparent.
On the opposition's threat to boycott parliament over Khaleda's cantonment house issue, he said the matter should be decided through the legal system and dialogue between the two major parties. "We do not think it [boycotting parliament] will be a healthy development."
About delays in the BDR carnage probe report submission, he said the FBI of America, which assisted the investigation by CID and other groups, is not surprised at the long time being taken for a fair and transparent investigation.
On the impact of economic recession and US aid to Bangladesh, he said the US will provide due consideration to Bangladesh's desire for increased trade and is committed to improving the lives of Bangladesh's neediest people through development-assistance programmes.
Asked whether the US has plans to assist Bangladesh set up a nuclear power plant, he said nuclear energy is extremely expensive and it involves public safety concerns. He said the US government does not have any immediate plan to provide assistance in this area.
Stressing the importance of free press, he said a free press is critical for ensuring that citizens receive the information they need to make knowledgeable decisions and participate in informed dialogues about issues that matter.
"As the government and the opposition debate the issues important to all Bangladeshis, you [the press] have an important responsibility to frame this debate for the people, accurately report the facts and ensure accountability and transparency," he added.
DRU President Shamim Ahmad chaired the programme while acting General Secretary Sheikh Mamun spoke about DRU programmes and activities.
Staff Correspondent
US Ambassador James Moriarty said there is still a terrorist threat in Bangladesh and the US has disturbing indications in this regard.
"We do have disturbing indications that there continues to be threat in Bangladesh…my government does believe that there is a threat here," he told reporters during Meet the Reporters programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) yesterday.
"The recent seizure of weapons in Bhola and continued arrests of JMB members throughout the country demonstrate that terrorism remains a concern," he said.
DRU organised the programme on Bangladesh-US bilateral relations.
The US ambassador to Bangladesh said the US has offered help to Bangladesh in reconstituting border security force Bangladesh Rifles (BDR). This is an area where the US can help and it depends on the Bangladesh government's requirements, he added.
He described the US-Bangladesh relationship with three D's--democracy, development and denial of space to terrorists.
He said the US continues to work closely with Bangladesh in areas like training of members of law enforcement agencies, including Rab, to ensure accountability and respect for human rights.
He said, "The government and the opposition have to realise that there are fundamental questions that the nation needs to address." He said despite the peaceful and democratic elections on December 29, challenges remain.
"Compromise and bipartisanship are critical to any democracy functioning properly. There is also a need to strengthen the institutions vital to a healthy democracy," he said.
The diplomat also said the government and the opposition can respond to critical needs of citizens by working together regardless of party affiliation.
On the parliament's forthcoming budget session, he said the government should provide the opposition meaningful opportunities to discuss and debate on the upcoming budget and the opposition should reach out to the government looking for consensus.
Asked about the war criminals' trial, Moriarty said the US government firmly believes that those who commit crimes need to be held accountable in the court of law. The courts of law should be free, fair and transparent.
On the opposition's threat to boycott parliament over Khaleda's cantonment house issue, he said the matter should be decided through the legal system and dialogue between the two major parties. "We do not think it [boycotting parliament] will be a healthy development."
About delays in the BDR carnage probe report submission, he said the FBI of America, which assisted the investigation by CID and other groups, is not surprised at the long time being taken for a fair and transparent investigation.
On the impact of economic recession and US aid to Bangladesh, he said the US will provide due consideration to Bangladesh's desire for increased trade and is committed to improving the lives of Bangladesh's neediest people through development-assistance programmes.
Asked whether the US has plans to assist Bangladesh set up a nuclear power plant, he said nuclear energy is extremely expensive and it involves public safety concerns. He said the US government does not have any immediate plan to provide assistance in this area.
Stressing the importance of free press, he said a free press is critical for ensuring that citizens receive the information they need to make knowledgeable decisions and participate in informed dialogues about issues that matter.
"As the government and the opposition debate the issues important to all Bangladeshis, you [the press] have an important responsibility to frame this debate for the people, accurately report the facts and ensure accountability and transparency," he added.
DRU President Shamim Ahmad chaired the programme while acting General Secretary Sheikh Mamun spoke about DRU programmes and activities.
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