BANGLADESH

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated Bangladesh's firm stance against terrorism and proposed United Nations-led counter-terrorism initiatives with 'a universal agreement on legal definition for terrorism'.

She also called for finalising the UN draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism with a 'clear' distinction between people's legitimate struggle for independence and foreign occupation in her seven-point recommendation made while delivering the keynote speech at a symposium.

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon organised the symposium on 'Counter-terrorism Cooperation' on the sidelines of the 66th UN General Assembly.

Hasina described economic disparity, political and economic exclusion, prolonged and unresolved conflicts, and climate-induced loss of livelihood as the 'root' causes of terrorism, "which must be addressed through regional and global cooperation".

Condemning terrorism in all forms, Hasina said, "Countering terrorism and promoting global peace and security is our constitutional and foreign policy priority."

"Our foreign policy does not allow our territory to be used for terrorism or subversive activities against another state.

"Our government is determined to ensure a democratic, secular, tolerant, inclusive and equitable society," she said and added that Bangladesh subscribes to 13 universal anti-terrorism mechanisms, and maintains a 'zero-tolerance' policy against terrorism and religious extremism.

She also reminded the world leaders of the importance to keep 'the respect for human rights and the rule of law' high on the agenda for their fight against terrorism.

The prime minister also stressed on the need to keep the national capacity building of developing countries and LDCs, like Bangladesh, on top of the UN counter-terrorism agenda.

She went on to propose for a centre for counter-terrorism under the UN with a 'comprehensive' global database on terror outfits and suspects for coordination and intelligence sharing among various states.

She said, "Our commitment is also reflected in our position as a top UN peacekeeper and a trusted UN partner in the maintenance of global peace and development."

Hasina also talked of Bangladesh's success in destroying most of the 'known terrorist networks' together with their arms and ammunition, and the ban imposed by Dhaka on all terrorist groups blacklisted by the UN Security Council.

She said her government was currently implementing a national counter-radicalisation strategy through education, women's empowerment, and propagation of secular and moderate cultural values.

"Imams or religious leaders are playing an active role with the media in raising awareness against terrorism and religious extremism," she said and that she would not allow extremists to 'abuse' Islam as a pretext for acts of terror.

The prime minister extolled US secretary of state Hillary Clinton for her 'pioneering' role in ensuring her country's engagement in countering terrorism globally.

She recalled the Aug 21, 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League anti-terrorism rally in Dhaka and said, "Twenty-four people lost their life and over 500 got wounded by a grenade lobbed at us by a terrorist group, sponsored by a political party.

"I was lucky to escape unhurt, but only after impairing my hearing permanently."

She expressed her sympathy for the families of 2,997 people, including 60 Bangladeshis, who died in Sep 11, 2001 attacks on the twin towers in New York.