No 'big' IS presence in Bangladesh

Amid a debate on whether Islamic State (IS) exists in the country, an Indian security expert yesterday said there was no big presence of the global terror organisation in Bangladesh.

"I don't want to say that IS has presence in Bangladesh in a big way, not even in India; I would say, not even in Pakistan in a big way," Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said, replying to a question about the presence of the terror outfit in Bangladesh.

The former Indian army officer yesterday gave a lecture on "Counter Terrorism Challenges in South Asia", organised by the Bangladesh Institute of International Strategic Studies (BIISS) in its auditorium.

Speaking about terrorism aspects in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, he said Bangladesh was one of the least vulnerable countries as it was an integrated country. Bangladesh has succeeded in fighting radicalisation but it might be a victim of extremism, he said, adding that socioeconomic and political issues were often the root causes of radicalisation, and terrorism could not always be countered through the use of force.

"Ideology is very important," the retired general said, adding it was a major concern today in South Asia including in Bangladesh and India. 

He called for greater cooperation and intelligence sharing among the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) countries to fight terrorism.

Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's proposal for setting up a multi-country counter-terrorism taskforce, the expert said it might not happen due to trust deficit among the countries.

He said terrorism might proliferate for factors like sub-national or minority alienation, faith in extremist ideology, ignorance, lack of education, proxy cross-border interest, safe drug dealing, and illegal arms trade.

Apart from strong cyber efforts and partnership among media, institutions, and think-tanks, Hasnain said, all should follow the democratic process for fighting the threat.

In counter-terrorism efforts, the roles of local police are ignored but they are crucial because they know many things, he said.

Presided over by BIISS Chairman Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad, the lecture was attended by diplomats, civil and military officers, academics, and researchers. BIISS Director General Maj Gen AKM Abdur Rahman delivered the welcome address.