Terrorists in Bangladesh have links in Britain, says Jacqui Smith

Dhaka, Apr 10 : British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said there were links between Bangladesh and British terror networks and to counter them the two countries have planned to form a high level joint working group.

She said the group would meet in June to thrash out details of practical programmes on counter-terrorism, which might include sharing of information and counter-terror training.

The counter-terrorism joint working group will comprise of personnel from security, foreign affairs, intelligence and police departments from Britain and Bangladesh.

Smith had discussions with Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and Army Chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed during her stay in Dacca. She said that Britain and Bangladesh shared interest in helping each other tackle terrorism in both short and long terms.

In response to a question as to whether Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, Bangladesh (Huji-B), is a threat to Britain, Matin replied 'Yes'.

She also said that the global terror network does have the ability to work in a wide range of countries. The vast majority of Britons, Bangladeshis, and British-Bangladeshis abhor terrorism and are united to protect shared values of peace and freedom.

After her meeting with Adviser (Home) M.A. Matin, Mrs Smith 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.

Smith's visit has been the third high level trip by a British Minister in the last four months. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander visited Bangladesh in December and the Foreign Secretary David Miliband in February.

ANI