Country needs counter terrorism policy, strategy: Gowher
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Parliament members, academics, representatives of civil society representatives as well as military officials and security experts from Bangladesh and the United States sat together in the city on Monday to devise a comprehensive national counter terrorism strategy for Bangladesh.
The two-day brainstorming workshop began at the Bangladesh Enterprises Institute (BEI), reports BSS.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the discussions. BEI president Farooq Sobhan chaired it.
"Bangladesh is a victim of both domestic and international terrorism. So we need a counter terrorism policy and strategy," observed the Adviser to the Prime Minister. The programme was also attended by journalists and the elite of the society.
Gowher said none of the terrorists -- both local and foreign -- would have any space on the soil of Bangladesh as its people in general and the present government hold strong views against any term of terrorism that might affect Bangladesh and other countries. He urged all concerned to come forward to fight the menace of terrorism in south Asia.
The advisor called for further strengthening the civil-military relationship to deter recurrence of acts of terrorism and bolster the disaster management efforts in Bangladesh.
In this context, he said, the independence of the country was the result of a strong relationship between civilians and the military.
The US Ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said the good relationship and counter-terrorism policies could not alone root out the terrorism unless those are backed by effective measures. The US, he said, would extend all support to Bangladesh in the latter's efforts to root out terrorism.
The visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alyssa Ayres appreciated the counter-terrorism efforts, taken by Bangladesh.
She said the measures seemed to have brought tangible results at home and in the region as well. She also lauded the role of the government and others to keep Bangladesh 'a peaceful' nation.
The BEI sources said four thematic papers -- two each from Bangladesh and the US -- will be presented in the workshop for discussion. The participants in the programme are expected to dwell upon different aspects of terrorism and security aspects, leading to a actionable recommendations for future actions.
The two-day brainstorming workshop began at the Bangladesh Enterprises Institute (BEI), reports BSS.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the discussions. BEI president Farooq Sobhan chaired it.
"Bangladesh is a victim of both domestic and international terrorism. So we need a counter terrorism policy and strategy," observed the Adviser to the Prime Minister. The programme was also attended by journalists and the elite of the society.
Gowher said none of the terrorists -- both local and foreign -- would have any space on the soil of Bangladesh as its people in general and the present government hold strong views against any term of terrorism that might affect Bangladesh and other countries. He urged all concerned to come forward to fight the menace of terrorism in south Asia.
The advisor called for further strengthening the civil-military relationship to deter recurrence of acts of terrorism and bolster the disaster management efforts in Bangladesh.
In this context, he said, the independence of the country was the result of a strong relationship between civilians and the military.
The US Ambassador to Bangladesh James F Moriarty said the good relationship and counter-terrorism policies could not alone root out the terrorism unless those are backed by effective measures. The US, he said, would extend all support to Bangladesh in the latter's efforts to root out terrorism.
The visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alyssa Ayres appreciated the counter-terrorism efforts, taken by Bangladesh.
She said the measures seemed to have brought tangible results at home and in the region as well. She also lauded the role of the government and others to keep Bangladesh 'a peaceful' nation.
The BEI sources said four thematic papers -- two each from Bangladesh and the US -- will be presented in the workshop for discussion. The participants in the programme are expected to dwell upon different aspects of terrorism and security aspects, leading to a actionable recommendations for future actions.