Arrests of terrorists help to get info on their network

Emphasising the importance of learning from each other, the United States has said it favours perpetrators' arrest or detention, whenever possible, in case of terrorist attacks as it is the best way to get information about other members of terrorist network.

“Speaking on behalf of the US, whenever possible, we seek to arrest or otherwise detain perpetrators of terrorist attacks. Because that is the best way to win and get information on other members of the network,” said a senior US official on Tuesday.

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In an interview with UNB at the US Embassy, visiting US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Robert Berschinski said the US seeks to 'deepen collaboration' on counterterrorism, among other things, with Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies.

Responding to a question, Berschinski said the best way to counter extremists is to have close ties among people and police and other security services that support them.

Asked how Bangladesh can deal with homegrown terrorists while keeping important issues of relating to human rights in mind, he summarised his answer saying, “In the context of counterterrorism, it's counterproductive to sacrifice protecting fundamental human rights when combating violent extremism."

The US official said terrorism and violent extremism is a problem that affects all around the world and there were attacks in the US and attacks across the Europe. “This is a problem that countries around the world are facing together. I think we can learn from each other,” he said.

Asked what lessons Bangladesh can learn from the US, Berschinski said the US, he thinks, has some lessons to share but other countries have lessons to share, as well.

“That is part of the reasons why a strong dialogue with Bangladesh is so important. I think we have things to learn from people and the government of Bangladesh, as well,” he added.

The US official, however, did not make any comment on US drone strikes in Afghanistan and Syria.

WORKERS RIGHTS

Asked how the US is viewing Bangladesh's renewed focus on workplace safety since Rana Plaza disaster, he said they have seen some “noteworthy progress” on some of the safety issues.

However, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary said, there are number of additional issues that need to happen.

“We're very focused on labour rights issues and the ability to workers to come together and unionise. Here I have to say we have not seen much progress and this is an issue we will continue to raise with the government of Bangladesh,” he added.

He said their message to the government of Bangladesh is to maintain international standard in terms of workers ability to organise. “So far, those standards have not been met fully.”

Asked how the US can help Bangladesh move the focus beyond just the RMG, the US official said they are focused on RMG industry and that applicable to every other industry in terms of both safety of workers and their ability to freely associate with one another.

“So making progress in the RMG industry is going to have positive impact in other industries,” he said adding that they are proud partner of Bangladesh's various gains and they want to be a stronger partner of Bangladesh.

FUTURE ELECTIONS

Responding to a question on the 2019 general election in Bangladesh, the US official said they hope there will be an environment so that all “peaceful political parties” feel comfortable to come to the table and engage in electoral process and giving people of Bangladesh a true range of choices.

He also said a free and fair election is essential to make sure that all voices can be heard and all can express differences peacefully.

Speaking generally on recommended guides for electoral commission (Election Commission) Berschinski said the message from the US is global as they convey the same message to other countries.

He referred to creating a level-playing field for all political parties and creating an environment where all voices can be heard and all can express their views freely.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary Bangladesh is a strong and important country because it vales what the US share - respect for democracy and tolerance.

Berschinski is her on a four-day visit and he also attended the fifth round of Bangladesh-US security dialogue held in October 2 here.

He will also meet opposition political leaders and members of the civil society during his stay in Dhaka.