Terrorism must be countered at global and regional levels: Bangladesh Minister

Bangladesh Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Saturday condemned the terror attack on a paramilitary convoy in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 49 troopers and said terrorism has to be countered globally and regionally.

"We condemn the attack.. the Bangladesh government has officially condemned it. Terrorism is a global problem. We have been suffering because of terrorism. I am also a victim of terrorist attack," he said at a get-together event organised by the Kolkata Press Club.

The suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy carrying troopers towards Srinagar had blown up a bus when an explosive-packed SUV rammed into it, causing the death of some 40 troopers at the spot on Thursday. Nine injured succumbed subsequently.

Mahmud said that all the terrorist groups have their own regional and global networks but his country was cooperating with India against the threat.

"So, we need to fight against terrorist attacks regionally and globally. Bangladesh government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working with India and other countries as well. Whoever is linked or patronising this kind of attacks, we condemn everyone," he said.

Asked whether Pakistan should be isolated in the international forums following the Pulwama attack,he did not respond.

He said there are terrorist groups like Harkat-ul-Jihad, Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and many others which were fomenting disturbance in Bangladesh but their activities have now been effectively contained.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina effectively contained (terrorists) attacks. We would not say that we have completely eradicated all these terrorist groups. (But) They are controlled," he said.

Asked about the alleged Bangladeshi terrorists from JMB being arrested in India, Mahmud said both the countries are cooperating each other and security agencies from both the countries have been coordinating and sharing information.

According to him, his country has taken several steps to curtail terror activities on its soil.

"As we have taken several steps to curb terror activities on our soil, they no longer have a fertile ground for breeding in Bangladesh, that may be the reason they are trying to cross over to India," he added.

--IANS

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