PM seeks to identify cause, resources of militancy

Reaffirming her determination to stamp out militancy and terrorism, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called again to identify their cause and source of money to defeat these social vices.

“Militancy and terrorism is a global concern ... to eliminate such an evil practice against civilization, we need to identify the reason and sources of money. We also have to find out a way for preventing these menaces,” she said.

The premier was addressing the Graduation Ceremony of National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) -2016 at Mirpur Cantonment here this morning.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has already taken necessary measures to pull away terrorism and militancy. “We are determined to root out the twin monsters from the country forever,” she said.

The premier said in addition to social awareness against this evil, the law enforcement agencies have been kept ready in all possible ways to fight terrorism and militancy.

“Besides, we have been able to create awareness against terrorism and militancy by involving the people of all classes and professions, which is the foundation of our success,” she said.

The premier renewed her government`s firm stance not to allow Bangladesh`s soil to be used for terrorist or insurgent acts.

“We never allow anybody to generate any evil act like using the demography of Bangladesh that was seen in previous regime ... we will continue to remain as a nation of peace guided by pluralism, secularism and the spirit of liberation war,” she said.

In this connection, the premier highlighted Bangladesh`s role in solving security-related problems to improve bilateral ties with other South Asian countries.

“We are developing inter-state relations based on our foreign policy ... our strategy and policy have proven to be effective in human development and economic empowerment of the people in general,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina, however, said there remain serious challenges in ensuring continuing growth and development. “I believe with your acquired knowledge from respective course, you will be better prepared to tackle these challenges,” she said.

The prime minister said the developing countries have to remain prepared to face unexpected challenges originating from the ever changing environment of the 21st century.

“It is a must that the developing countries build increasing economic relations among themselves to diversify and strengthen their economies,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh has resolved many security problems that were constraining bilateral relations and the vision was to develop an integrated regional economy.

In last eight years, she said, the South Asian region has seen substantial progress on security issues, bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation.

The prime minister said in the present globalize world, continuously improving technologies are increasing connections among all the people, which eased living standard. “But those sometimes create adverse effects as well,” she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has ensured legitimate safeguards in light of national security concerns and also successfully encouraged effective use of technology.

Source: BSS