Multi-dimensional approach needed to counter terrorism
Speakers at a discussion yesterday stressed the need for extensive research and effective peace-building measures to identify the root causes of terrorism in the country and take preventive actions.
They made the recommendation on the concluding day of a two-day long international conference, titled “Bangladesh in International Peace-building: Experience from Japan”, held the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka.
They said Bangladesh needs to use the knowledge and experiences of other countries to effectively deal with the issue and suggested multi-dimensional approach to counter terrorism and extremism.
“Zero tolerance approach” has often been proven futile while multi-dimensional approach could be effective in countering terrorism at home and abroad, experts said, adding that involvement of civilians as well as armed forces is crucial in this process.
Taking part in the discussion, former Chief of General Staff (CGS) of Bangladesh Army Lt Gen Md Mainul Islam said that research is most important in eliminating extremism.
“It will be very difficult to solve the problem if we don't know why young people become demotivated and radicalised,” he said, stressing the need for promoting researchers to carry out extensive studies on extremism and help policymakers.
He also suggested proper education, transparency of law enforcement agencies and rehabilitation of radicalised youths to check extremism.
“Peace-building depends on honesty and commitment to the cause,” said Director General of BIISS Major General AKM Abdur Rahman.
Mentioning the remarkable success of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in Sierra Leone and other parts of the world, he made three recommendations: Bangladesh should follow the Japan model of peace-building, train civilians to be involved in this process, and concentrate on job opportunities in the UN missions for civilians.
In the first session, Additional Police Commissioner and Chief of Counterterrorism and Transnational Crimes unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Md Monirul Islam, presented a keynote paper on counter terrorism activities in Bangladesh.
In his presentation, Monir said that policymakers, practitioners, researchers, civil society members and other stakeholders should continue to share their knowledge for better understanding of the causes, impacts and way out of violent extremism.
“In our country, if we look into the causes of extremism, we'll see some common reasons and misinterpretation of Islam,” he said.
Monir said that youths should be given proper scope to engage in cultural activities and sports. “If they get enough time for sports and constructive activities, they would be less vulnerable to extremism.”
“Interfaith dialogue is important. It must be done based on inter-communal harmony and inter-cultural discussion,” former ambassador Muhammad Zamir said, adding that parents need to take better care of their children, and give them more time to protect them from the grasp of extremism.
Prof Rasheduzzaman of Dhaka University's International Relations department said that extremism is like a disease. “We need to identify the underlining causes of this disease to properly treat it.”
Comments