US Assistant Secretary of State meets imams in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Aug 2 (UNI) US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher, who arrived here today on a two-day visit opened his consultations with exchange of views with imams discussing critical issues like militancy and elections in Bangladesh.

The meeting took place at the Imam Training Academy in the capital, where journalists were not allowed in. Emerging from the meeting, which lasted over an hour, Mr Boucher, without providing details of his discussion, said he had the chance of having a meeting with the imams about the situation of Bangladesh, as he came here for trying to learn more about the programme.

''I think I learnt quite a lot from them (Imams) and I hope to talk to people during the course of my visit to learn more about Bangladesh, to see how US can help the people of Bangladesh as they develop,'' he said before getting into the car, without taking any question from the reporters.

However, meeting sources said Mr Boucher told the Imams that the United States attaches great importance to Bangladesh and its people. ''Bangladesh is such a country where people are followers of Islam, but practice democracy,'' he was quoted by insiders as saying.

Mr Boucher praised the Imams of the country for their role on issues like dowry, terrorism, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS and health.

He queried if the madrasa-educated people have knowledge of subjects like mathematics, science and geography, all dealing with earthly matters. He was informed by one imam that madrasa students have to study all these subjects.

About militancy, the US official wanted to know about the role of imams on the burning issues. He was told that, a few days back, a quarter, in the name of Islam, orchestrated terrorism.

''But, the Imams across the country came forward together to resist terrorism. As a result, terrorism in the country has nearly diminished.'' In reply to a question, Mr Boucher said US views Bangladesh as a democracy-practicing country whose people want to change their fortune by working.

Although the Israel-Lebanon issue was not directly raised in the meeting, one imam queried about unrest in different parts of the globe, despite US claim for working for peace in the world.

In reply, Mr Boucher said the US always works for peace. Citing Afghanistan, Kuwait and Kosovo, he said the US works for the oppressed people in the Muslim countries.

UNI XC SHB BD2324