Enact law, if needed, to confiscate radicals' funds

Bangladesh and other countries should enact laws to confiscate financial institutions of radical parties if needed, Ed Royce, chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs has said.

He made the remark during a meeting with the Bangladeshi ambassador to the US, Mohammad Ziauddin, at Capitol Hill on Wednesday (Washington time), a press release said.

The two officials, among others, discussed various phenomenon of terrorism and radicalism the world is facing today, and links between political parties operating in the name of religion and extremist offshoots around the world, source of funds and activities.

During the meeting, Ziauddin explained the context of the rehabilitation of the anti-liberation and radical forces after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.

He told the Congressman Royce of Sheikh Hasina government’s zero tolerance against extremism and terrorism. He said Bangladesh was working closely with its neighbours, the US and other friendly countries to eliminate terrorism and extremism.

Ziauddin also sought for reinstating the GSP status for Bangladesh as the country had followed the recommendations for RMG workers’ rights and safety suggested by the US.

In this respect, Ed Royce said he will look into the matter.

Ziauddin also urged the US to grant preferential market access for Bangladeshi goods as accorded to other developing nations of the Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.

Congresswoman Ed Royce welcomed the new Ambassador and assured him all necessary cooperation during his stay in the United States.