Make integrated efforts to tackle militancy

A parliamentary body yesterday asked the foreign ministry to make integrated efforts to tackle 'rising militancy' and global economic meltdown which are big challenges for the present government.
The parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs ministry made the call at a meeting at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and Advocate Mahbub Uddin Khokan, the lone member in the committee from opposition, were engaged in a debate over the militant issue, meeting sources said.
The committee also stressed the need for taking strong stand against international terrorism and uphold the image of the country.
It also decided to appoint labour officer or labour attaché or labour councilor from the officials of BCS foreign cadre only.
The committee, however, decided to appoint officials in those posts from other ministry after attaching them to foreign ministry if adequate manpower is not available in the foreign ministry.
BNP lawmaker Mahbub Uddin Khokan said the image of the country would be tarnished if the government repeatedly raised militant issue.
In reply, the foreign minister said, "We should admit the truth. As militants are there, we should admit this," sources said.
Presided over by committee Chairman Abul Hasan Mahmud Ali, the meeting was also attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud, committee members Mostafa Faruk Mohammad, Imajuddin Pramanik, Nilufar Zafrullah and Hossain Moqbul Shahriar.