US sees links with int'l networks

The United States believes there are links between Bangladeshi militants and international terror networks, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal has told a private TV channel.

She said, "We have seen claims of responsibility on the July 1 attack from the ISIL, from the Islamic State, Daesh as we refer to it. We have seen also in prior attacks claims of responsibility from al-Qaeda.

"And we do believe that there are connections between home-grown networks and these international networks. And we are determined to learn more about exactly how those connections take place."

She added, "This is a challenge for all of the people of the world, all of the societies, to be able to work together, to do their part, and so we come here with the intention of offering to Bangladesh what we can in terms of information that we maybe able to bring …"

The US envoy, who ended her three-day whirlwind engagements in Dhaka yesterday, was talking to Channel 24 in an interview aired last night. She arrived on Sunday following two deadly terror attacks on a Gulshan café and at Sholakia in Kishoreganj in a span of just six days.

She said the US is ready to assist in whatever way Bangladesh wants.

According to the senior US diplomat, misguided attackers of Gulshan café never represent the Muslims.

Biswal said it is destructive how some youths are heading towards terrorism and it should be stopped immediately.

She said recent attacks and efforts of terrorist groups are certainly causes of concern, but Bangladesh need not worry about investment. She believes the international community and business community will stand by Bangladesh and will continue to pursue business opportunities here.

Our diplomatic correspondent adds: before leaving Dhaka, Biswal said she discussed with the Bangladesh government "specific ways" of how the US could support Bangladesh fight terrorism.

"Discussed w Bangladesh govt specific ways US can support law enforcement & security forces in investigating & responding to terror attacks," she tweeted after wrapping up her Dhaka visit.

New Delhi too has assured Dhaka of all-out support in its battle against terrorism and extremism.

"As a neighbour, friend and partner, India has offered Bangladesh its fullest cooperation in its fight against terrorism. This was conveyed at the highest levels following the terror attack early this month," an Indian diplomat in Dhaka told The Daily Star yesterday.

Asked whether the US and India will work together on countering terrorism and violent extremism in Bangladesh, the Indian diplomat without giving a direct reply said, "We cannot comment on US cooperation with Bangladesh."

Biswal, who left Dhaka for Colombo at 12:05pm, tweeted five separate messages on her visit to Bangladesh.

Terming her visit important, Biswal said, "Concluding an important visit to Bangladesh. I conveyed support & solidarity of United States to stand w Bangladesh in combating terrorism."

During her meetings with government leaders, including the prime minister, home minister, foreign minister and two advisers to the PM, she offered "US expertise in building Bangladesh's counterterrorism capabilities."

At the meetings, the US diplomat elaborated on future cooperation between the two countries, including sharing of intelligence information, providing training to enhance the capabilities of Bangladesh law enforcement to defeat those who will seek to drive terror in the society.

Prior to her departure from Dhaka, Biswal had an informal meeting with editors of six leading newspapers and TV channels.

She also had three separate meetings with envoys of top countries stationed in Dhaka.

On the eve of her departure, she tweeted, "Met w diplomatic community and business leaders who are concerned but committed to stand w Bangladesh."

On the first day of her visit, Biswal had an exclusive meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla and discussed the current security situation in Bangladesh.

After the meeting, an Indian diplomat told The Daily Star, "It was a very good meeting and both the countries are keen to support the government of Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism. So our objectives coincide."

"We believe the international community needs to come together in this common endeavour," he added.

On Monday morning, Biswal met envoys of the UK, Canada and Australia and exchanged views with them on Bangladesh situation and how the international community could support Dhaka in curbing terrorism.

The assistant secretary also had dinner with envoys of top countries stationed in Dhaka on Monday evening when she shared some of the experience she gathered from this visit.

The US delegation has felt Bangladesh government leaders and officials showed more open-minded attitude to the international cooperation, said an ambassador who attended Monday's dinner hosted by Biswal.

On July 3, US Secretary of State John Kerry phoned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on behalf of President Barack Obama to offer support in the wake of the outrageous attack on the Gulshan café.

Kerry offered immediate assistance from US law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, in the investigation with the highest international standards.