Fanaticism main threat to nation

Islamist zealots operating in the country are the main threat to the nation, they said and called on the government to take immediate action against these operatives.

The Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR) organised the seminar on 'International Terrorism: Bangladesh Context' at Cirdap auditorium in the city yesterday.

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The speakers said Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan issues should be addressed immediately to put an end to international terrorism.

Although the severity of terrorism in Bangladesh has been less pronounced compared to other South Asian countries, terrorism is registering a steady rise in recent times as a section of people within the government is patronising it, said former foreign secretary CM Shafi Sami in his keynote paper.

He also expressed concern at the activities of various Islamist groups, including Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB).

Sami also called on the international community to launch sustained efforts to root out the causes of terrorism taking place across the world.

Unless the causes of terrorism are not removed, the world will not get rid of the scourge, said former finance minister SAMS Kibria.

Kibria, also the chairman of BFDR, pointed out that the big powers of the world need to investigate the root causes of international terrorism.

Referring to Bangladesh context, he said the Islamist groups want to turn the country into a theocratic state. The government should take action against the groups immediately, he added.

Prof AK Azad Chowdhury, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, said the killing in 'crossfire' with Rapid Action Battalion amounts to encouraging state terrorism.

"Islamic fanaticism across the world is on the rise as the Muslims are being deprived of their basic human rights in several regions of the world," he said.

Presided over by Prof Kabir Chowdhury, the seminar was also addressed by Prof Ajay Roy, Prof Nim Chandra Bhowmik, Brigadier (retd.) Shahedul Anam Khan and advocate Abdul Baset Majumder.