Dhaka offers to host Bimstec security chiefs' conference
Bangladesh yesterday offered to host the second meeting of Bimstec's national security chiefs as the seven-nation regional group agreed to enhance cooperation to counter terrorism, violent extremism and radicalisation.
Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, defence and security adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, made the offer at the first meeting of the national security chiefs in New Delhi. The offer was welcomed by the other participants.
The meeting noted that Bimstec member countries face common security challenges and underlined the necessity of addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges to harness economic prosperity and human security in the region.
The meeting underscored the importance of recognising the Bay of Bengal as common security space and agreed to work out collective strategies for common responses, a statement issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs said.
Noting with concern the emerging trends in cyber space that have security implications, the meeting also decided to deepen cooperation among the respective cyber institutions through a joint forum on cyber security.
Yesterday's meeting was convened as per a decision taken in Bimstec Leaders' Retreat held in Goa, India, on October 16 last year, which was attended by Hasina among the top leaders of Bimstec -- Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.
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