PM for OIC's proactive anti-terror role

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to play a more proactive role against terrorism, saying it could take initiatives to bring together conflict-affected countries without interfering in internal affairs.

“Muslim countries should sit together and resolve their problems without external interference,” she said, observing that no human rights organisation had raised voice in the past against the killing of children, women and innocent people by Israel.

She said these welcoming OIC Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani at her official residence Gono Bhaban, stated her press secretary, Ihsanul Karim.

Ihsanul said discussions centred on mutual interests, including ongoing conflicts in Muslim-populated regions.

Terrorism has emerged as a global problem and terrorists killing innocent people in the name of Islam are ultimately undermining the religion, said Hasina, adding “We have zero tolerance to terrorism in any form and manifestation.”

No longer focusing on only poor families and madrasa students, terror groups are now motivating and recruiting children of affluent and highly educated families, she said, appreciating past OIC roles in stopping fratricidal wars, a part of terrorism.

Madani expressed profound shock at lives lost in the recent terror attacks in Bangladesh.

“Terrorism and cyber crimes are on the rise since 1990,” he said, adding that the OIC was determined to play an effective role in combating terrorism and member states would have to actively participate.

He also emphasised addressing the root causes of youngsters getting involved in terrorism, saying they were being motivated with false hopes that sacrificing their lives would lead to rewards.

He informed Hasina of taking some measures for reconciling conflicting groups in Muslim countries.

Appreciating Bangladesh's socioeconomic development, Madani showed keen interest in Palli Sanchoy Bank, which makes use of micro deposits of marginal people.