Dhaka, Delhi concerned

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sees off her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur at Shahjalal International Airport yesterday. Photo: PMO

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday voiced concern over common exposure of both Bangladesh and India to extremist or terrorist elements as a terror attack outside the High Court in New Delhi left at least 10 people dead.
“Both India and Bangladesh are vulnerable to the forces of extremism and terrorism,” Manmohan told a gathering of intellectuals at the Dhaka University campus when the reports of the New Delhi blast poured in.
The Indian premier said such forces “sap the strength of our societies, threaten our state systems and impede our progress”.
“It is, therefore, of paramount importance that we work together to confront this challenge,” he added.
The Indian leader praised Bangladesh's initiatives to fight terrorism and work together with India to crush the militant forces.
“I would like to acknowledge the immense cooperation India has received from Bangladesh in this area, which is in the interest of both India and Bangladesh,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an instant official reaction after the blast Manmohan promised not to succumb to the pressure of terrorism.
“This is a long war in which all political parties, all the people of India have to stand united so that the scourge of terrorism is crushed,” read a statement issued by the Indian premier's office.