Opposition blames it on govt

Political parties of the opposition camp described as unfortunate the US decision on including Bangladesh in the terrorism watch list.

At the same time, political leaders blamed it on the failure of the BNP-led four-party coalition government and its foreign policy.

"This is very unfortunate for the country. This reflects the failure of the government in general and its foreign policy in particular," said Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil.

President of the Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain said, "It's a matter of serious concern. National efforts are needed for remedy."

President of the Jatiya Party (JP) Anwar Hossain Monju said, "I fear that we are gradually losing our friends all over the world."

General Secretary of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) Hasanul Huq Inu said the Bush administration took the decision based on its 'wrong policy' to identify each Muslim as a member of al-Qaeda network.

"The decision, despite Bangladesh's support to the US war against terrorism, proves that Bangladesh is friendless on the international front. The country had never faced this situation in the last 31 years," he added.

Inclusion of the Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Motiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid has given the USA the chance to take such a drastic step, he said.

However, Inu hoped that the USA would reconsider its decision.