Abe-Hasina to host special anti-terror event in ASEM Summit
The prime ministers of Japan and Bangladesh will host a special anti-terrorism event on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit – in the backdrop of the grisly café attack in Dhaka.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accepted an invitation from her Japan counterpart Shinzo Abe to co-chair the event, Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali told journalists at a press briefing.
Besides, premier Hasina will be meeting Shinzo Abe, among other Asian and European leaders, at the sidelines of the meeting that will be held on July 15-16.
The prime agenda of Prime Minister Hasina will be to highlight Bangladesh’s strong commitment in fighting terrorism – the issue that is at the center of AESM summit this year.
She will also hold talks with the heads of Russia, Japan, Netherland, Switzerland, Germany, European Commission and Myanmar among others. She will also hold talks with Indian vice president and the Italian foreign minister.
READ MORE: PM to speak of Dhaka’s anti-terror commitment
Seven Japan nationals were among the 20 hostages, mostly foreigners, killed during the July 1 attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Bangladesh capital’s diplomatic zone.
In view of the worldwide terrorism threat, this year’s Asia-Europe Meeting Summit will focus on terrorism and violent extremism issues, its charter says.
Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali was briefing journalists on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s schedule during the two-day summit to be held in Mongolia this weekend.
ATTACKS DIDN’T TARNISH BANGLADESH’S IMAGE
The recent Dhaka restaurant attack did not tarnish Bangladesh’s image in the international arena, commented the foreign minister during the briefing.
Terrorism is a global threat and acts of terrorism are taking place everywhere in the world, he said. “That is why the Gulshan incident did not affect the image of Bangladesh.”
He also mentioned that Bangladesh deserves a very high level of appreciation for the way it handled the two recent attacks- Gulshan restaurant attack followed by the attack on Sholakia Eidgah on Eid day.
‘NO-ONE IS LEAVING BANGLADESH’
In another query, Ali said “No one is leaving Bangladesh. Even the rescued Japanese citizen from the carnage, who came to Bangladesh under a JICA project said he will come back to Bangladesh and work again.”
Bangladesh has had the solidarity and support of its international friends after the attacks and many have come forward pledging to stand with Bangladesh in the global fight against terrorism.