US, India discuss Bangladesh security issues

Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Desai Biswal on Monday met the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, to discuss security issues in the wake of two terror strikes in Bangladesh, including the cafe siege that left 20 hostages killed.

The two met at the residence of US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat on Monday.

"The meeting continued for an hour and they discussed issues of combating terrorism and violent extremism," according to diplomatic sources, bdnews24.com reported.

India has vowed to stand by Bangladesh to fight against terrorism after the recent attacks -- in Dhaka's upscale cafe on July 1 and at Sholakia Eidgah when hundreds of thousands gathered for Eid prayers on Thursday morning at the country's largest congregation.

Biswal, who arrived in Bangladesh on Sunday on a two-day visit, visited the Holey Artisan Bakery at Gulshan where Islamist militants killed 20 hostages in a terror attack on July 1.

She also paid homage to those killed in the terror attacks.

Biswal is slated to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Home Minister Asaduzzman Khan Kamal, among others, during the day before leaving Dhaka.

--IANS

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