Zero tolerance towards terror impresses US

Appreciating Bangladesh's policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and violent extremism, the United States has lauded the government for not allowing its territory to be used for terrorist activities against other countries.

The US also applauded Bangladesh government's efforts to control terrorist activities after the July 1 Holey Artisan attack by involving all relevant agencies, and the launch of a specialised Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit under Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

The appreciation came from a visiting US delegation which participated in the fifth round of Bangladesh-United States Security Dialogue held in the capital yesterday.

At the meet, Bangladesh sought enhanced United States training, equipment, and logistics support in counterterrorism and countering violent extremism, according to a joint press statement issued yesterday.

It said Bangladesh and the US recognised the shared threats they face and that countering violent extremist groups, such as ISIS / Da'esh, constitutes a global challenge. 

Kamrul Ahsan, additional foreign secretary (bilateral and consular) of the foreign ministry, led the Bangladesh delegation comprising representatives from different ministries and government organisations.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State William Monahan led the US delegation that included representatives from the Departments of State and Defense. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat and embassy officials also attended the daylong dialogue.

The dialogue covered issues related to security partnership between the countries including strategic priorities and regional security issues, defense cooperation, civilian security cooperation and UN peacekeeping.

Bangladesh delegation appreciated US assistance in further improving its disaster preparedness and response capabilities through joint Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE), construction of 600 multipurpose cyclone shelters in coastal belts, and provision of fast-moving boats to Bangladesh Coast Guards which has minimised the response time to prevent armed robberies within its maritime boundary. 

The sixth round of Security Dialogue will be held in Washington next year.