Dhaka free of int'l terrorists

"There are no international terrorists in Bangladesh. There are hoodlums, goondas, and criminals, just as in New York City," Thomas said while exchanging views with students, faculty members and staff of North South University (NSU) during his visit to the varsity yesterday.

He also admitted that 'Saddam Hussain didn't possess weapons of mass destruction' and the intelligence was 'wrong' about it

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After a short speech, the US Ambassador entertained questions from the audience on Iraq, American foreign policy, garment industry and US presidential elections.

He expressed his satisfaction at the prevailing democracy in the country and hoped that the major political parties could "coexist in the spirit of amity, mutual tolerance and trust".

He informed that out of 5,000 Bangladeshi items granted duty-free access, only two were exported to the United States of America.

Bangladesh has been offered a liberal garment-export quota in exchange for establishment of Trade Unions in Export Processing zone (EPZ), which Bangladesh failed to do in 13 years and the deadline is about to expire on March 1, 2004, the US envoy said.

Thomas assured the NSU of cooperation and support, including US University faculty teaching.

NSU Vice-chancellor Dr Hafiz GA Siddiqi introduced the diplomat to the audience and thanked him for his campus visit.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr SAM Khairul Basher, Deans Dr Khaliquzzaman M Elias and Dr ANM Meshquat Uddin, registrar and treasurer were also present, according to a press release of the NSU.