Tuku, Owen discuss issues on security, counter terrorism
Friday, 11 September 2009
US acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Michael Owen Thursday discussed with State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku wide-ranging issues of high importance like security, countering terrorism and extremism, and border management, reports UNB.
Meeting sources told the news agency that the US foreign-office functionary reaffirmed Washington's willingness to help reorganise the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) battered by the February 25-26 mutiny and offer training programmes for police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Emerging from the meeting, Mr Owen told reporters that the United States wanted to have "effective cooperation" with Bangladesh in various fields, including training of the police.
Tuku said he sought cooperation from the US "in enhancing capabilities of the law-enforcing agencies". Mr Owen assured that decisions would be taken in consultation with both the governments of US and Bangladesh.
He said, "Terrorism is not a problem for Bangladesh alone - it's a global problem that needs united efforts globally."
The US official came to Dhaka Wednesday on a two-day visit.
Meeting sources told the news agency that the US foreign-office functionary reaffirmed Washington's willingness to help reorganise the paramilitary Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) battered by the February 25-26 mutiny and offer training programmes for police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
Emerging from the meeting, Mr Owen told reporters that the United States wanted to have "effective cooperation" with Bangladesh in various fields, including training of the police.
Tuku said he sought cooperation from the US "in enhancing capabilities of the law-enforcing agencies". Mr Owen assured that decisions would be taken in consultation with both the governments of US and Bangladesh.
He said, "Terrorism is not a problem for Bangladesh alone - it's a global problem that needs united efforts globally."
The US official came to Dhaka Wednesday on a two-day visit.