Terrorism must be rooted out
The barbaric attack in Indonesias capital on Thursday has given rise to the frightening possibility that the notorious terror outfit Islamic State might gain a foothold in the worlds most populous Muslim nation. After the Bali bombing tragedy in 2002, Indonesia has been fighting hard against extremism. Early analysis of attacks points to local affiliates of the Islamic State (IS) movement as the brutal perpetrators. Seemingly coordinated attacks on the heels of multiple attacks in Paris are alarming, though not surprising. Indonesia has proven generally resistant to Islamic extremism. It is now a stable democracy that protects the rule of law and open expression, and it has a long tradition of religious tolerance. The founding father of Indonesia Dr. Ahemd Sukarno was an avowed secularist and his ideals are still respected there.
However, this latest attack is yet another proof that terrorists can strike anywhere in the world and has been gaining strength. It also proved that extremism does not differentiate between developed or developing countries. The leader and policymakers across the globe must take a firm and uncompromising stance against narrow loyalties across sectarian lines sentiments that provide fertile recruiting ground for those seeking a fast path to earthly or heavenly rewards. The authorities everywhere in the field of counter-terrorism must identify and tackle the factors which contribute to radicalisation and the processes by which individuals are recruited to commit acts of terror.
They must do everything to hinder terrorists capacity to plan and organise, and to bring these terrorists to justice. To achieve these goals, strengthening national capabilities, regional and international cooperation and information exchange is essential. The governments must work closely with other international and regional organisations to build international consensus and promote international standards for fighting terrorism. Bangladesh has been relatively free from serious terrorist activities in the last decade or so. The incumbent government, to its credit, has shown adequate determination to fight local and regional terrorism. Of course there have been a few isolated attacks but Bangladesh is undoubtedly one of safest place against the scourge of terrorism. However, there is hardly any room for complacency. If the extremists can carry out vicious attacks in quick succession in countries geographically and culturally as far apart as France and Indonesia no country can take the threat of terrorism lightly. There is hardly any doubt that ISIL has to be defeated not just militarily but even more importantly on the ideological battlefield, by offering a compelling counter narrative to the extremist ideology that unfortunately has some appeal to disaffected youths across the globe.
