BNP-Jamaat behind recent incidents
Foreign minister tells UK
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The overall security situation in Bangladesh is good and the few recent incidents of violence were the acts of BNP-Jamaat alliance aimed at destabilising and maligning the growing positive image of the country, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali has told his British counterpart Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.
During a meeting with Hammond on the sidelines of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meeting on Wednesday in Malta, he informed that on the basis of those apprehended and the intelligence gathered, it was evident that the crimes were committed by local extremists and no external connections could be found, said a foreign ministry press release yesterday.
The foreign minister reassured that the government has undertaken stringent measures to guarantee safety and security of its people as well as the foreign nationals living in the country.
The British foreign secretary offered to extend necessary support to enhance capacities in these areas.
He expressed his deep concern at the rise of violent extremism in various parts of the world, particularly mentioning that ISIL and al-Qaeda were aspiring to operate beyond their traditional grounds.
Stressing the need for vigilance by all nations against this common threat, Hammond appreciated the zero tolerance policy of the government of Bangladesh.
The two foreign ministers discussed issues relating to international peace and security, terrorism and violent extremism and expressed willingness to intensify cooperation in combating them.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Ali took part in the customary pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meeting.
