Dhaka to inform Washington where support needed
Hasanur Rahman : Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Monday said that 
Bangladesh will assess its needs in seeking cooperation from USA in combating terrorism and extremism.
His remarks came in response to the offer of the visiting US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal to provide all possible cooperation on the issue of dealing with terrorism and extremism.
“The US Assistant secretary has offered us all sorts of possible cooperation of her country in combating terrorism together. We will assess our needs. Whatever we need they will provide for us,” he told reporters following his meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State.
He said the US has given its commitment to always remain with Bangladesh to fight against terrorism.
Nisha Biswal met the home minister at his office in the afternoon. US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Manpreet Anand were present at the meeting. Inspector General of Police (IGP) AKM Shahidul Haque, director general of RAB Benazir Ahmed and other top officials of Home Ministry were also present in the 40-minute meeting.
After the meeting, Nisha Biswal told reporters that that his country is ready to provide any sort of support and cooperation needed by Bangladesh to combat terrorism and extremism.
“We’re here to convey that we’re prepared to work with you as you tackle the great challenge. We are committed and resolute that terror will not win”.
She noted the USA has intelligence and information it can share. “We’ ll work out the training and capabilities to defeat those who drive terror into our societies,” she said.
She said the USA wants to work together to engage local communities, specially the youths in the process to ensure that they are in the right path.
“United States and others who have the experience, we look forward to share the experience from learning the lesson so that we can be partners in addressing the challenges,” he said.
The US Assistant Secretary said she arrived in Bangladesh to convey the condolences on behalf of President Obama to the victims of the attack and also express support to Bangladesh.
