Editorial
Counter-terrorism agenda
International cooperation welcome
The visit to Bangladesh of two senior counter-terrorism experts from the United Nations is significant on two counts. First, it recognises the extent of the problem of terrorism in the country and second it brings forth the imperative of international assistance in containing the problem. It is encouraging to note that the visiting UN experts have given assurance for providing technical assistance and building training facilities to fight the menace. We believe such partnership would make our intelligence agencies and forces in the field more adept in facing the challenges of the militant groups who often use sophisticated weapons and explosives.Bangladesh's commitment towards uprooting terrorism from the country is manifest in the well-coordinated drive by the law enforcing agencies against the obscurantist elements that are driven to destructive methods by exploiting religion for ulterior gains. The authorities earned the appreciation of the people at home and abroad after they successfully nabbed some of the top leaders of JMB and banned some clandestine organisations in different parts of the country. The present government's decision to let law take its own course with their trial and sentencing was appreciated by people at large. This however needs to be said that the authorities will have to dismantle the remaining networks with a firm hand. We have reasons to believe that some madrasas are going beyond the approved curricula to press their hidden agenda. At the same time it has been reported that Bangladesh chapter of Kuwait based NGO Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS) continues to work covertly after its registration has been cancelled by the authorities. What appears more disquieting is that some local NGOs are implementing the agenda of RIHS under various guises. All this needs to be looked into on an urgent basis. Terrorism or armed militancy in any form and name works to negate the social, economic, educational and cultural heritage and ethos of a nation. The proponents of such philosophy are a tiny minority who can be neutralised through an anti-terrorism campaign based on international cooperation and understanding.
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