IS believed to be 'connected' to BD operatives: Kerry
The United States believes that elements of Islamic State are connected to operatives in Bangladesh, Secretary of State John Kerry said on a visit to the South Asian nation that has faced a wave of attacks by Islamist militants, reports Reuters.
Kerry also said he had agreed at talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other national leaders on additional intelligence and law-enforcement cooperation to fight security threats.
Our correspondent adds: US Secretary of State John Kerry has underscored the need for “more frequent” communication with Bangladesh for fighting terrorism and militancy in arms.
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“No nation can succeed without sharing information, technological innovation and constant communication,” he told a gathering at Dhaka’s EMK Centre in Dhanmondi.
“We are now living in a very difficult and complicated time. So we are working with local partners to make Bangladesh resilient against all odds,” Kerry said in a 35-minute speech.
“Important discussions today in Bangladesh including on security issues & our strong support in fighting against violent extremism,” he said in Twitter post.
TWO ROUNDS OF MEETINGS
Landing in Dhaka around 10:10am, Kerry first visited Bangabandhu museum in Dhanmondi 32. There, he noted that Bangladesh “is moving in line with the vision of Bangabandhu under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s strong leadership,” UNB reports.
Then, he met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Prime Minister’s Office. Insights into the meeting could not be obtained. However, terrorism and cooperation is expected to be his focal point.
Later, he sat in talks with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed were among others who attended the meeting.
The foreign minister later briefed the media, but declined to say whether talks were held on security issue. None of the other ministers gave a comment over the issue.