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| Terror Networks |
| Bangladesh, British have terror links says UK home secretary |
| 2008-04-10 |
| Visiting British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith yesterday said there are links between British and Bangladeshi terror networks. She said the two countries will form a high level joint working group that will meet in June to thrash out details of 'practical programmes' on counter-terrorism, which might include sharing of information and counter-terror training. Smith also said during her meetings with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and Army Chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed yesterday, she received 'strong reassurances' from them that the stalled ninth parliamentary election will be held by the year's end. The UK home secretary made the comments during a news conference at the British high commission wrapping up her three day visit. "Yes there are linkages between terrorism in Britain and Bangladesh," she said when asked if there is any link between terror groups in the two countries, but refused to divulge specific name of any militant group in either country. "Linkages are highly likely because of the nature of international terrorismÂ…terrorists travel widely, use dual nationalities," said Smith adding, the countries have a shared interest in helping each other tackle terrorism in both short and long terms. When asked if her government feels that Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami, Bangladesh (Huji-B) is a threat to Britain, she answered, "Yes." Asked if the UK is wary of any link between Al-Qaeda and Bangladeshi militant groups, she did not dismiss the notion, and said the global terror network does have the ability to work in a wide range of countries. Earlier in the day, after her meeting with Home Adviser MA Matin, Smith said a strong and stable democracy cannot be built without defeating terrorism, while Matin said the two sides discussed cooperation, especially potential British training of Bangladeshi counter-terrorism teams, to prevent terrorist attacks on the country's aviation industry. Currently, Britain provides counter-terror training, and finances and organises counter-terror research by local think tanks, while having undisclosed counter-terrorism defence ties with Bangladesh. Smith also said 54 cases of British nationals having been brought to Bangladesh under 'forced marriages' were reported to the high commission. The UK secretary had also attended an event on 'forced marriage' and ways to tackle the problem. |
| Posted by:ryuge |
| #1 If only we could establish some common threat with all these terror links. |
| Posted by: Excalibur 2008-04-10 11:40 |