Bernicat lauds govt’s efforts to fight militancy

US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat today praised Bangladesh's promise to counter militancy and also offered assistance to combat the growing threats of terrorism confronting the country.   

"We appreciate the honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's unflagging commitment to fighting terrorism," she said.

There is need for a clear recognition that the security environment is changing, the diplomat said, adding that to carry forward "you require additional tools and measures to address them".

She made the comments at the monthly regular meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Bernicat said Bangladesh and the US had been working jointly on countering terrorism for some time now.

"I assure you that we are both stepping up our efforts," she said.

The diplomat also said that the US government's offer to help Bangladesh combat terrorism was genuine, and comes as assistance from a partner [US] who has been fighting terrorism for quite a long time.

"We are looking to Bangladesh as partners," Bernicat also said.  

The US envoy said they were all greatly saddened, angry and frustrated in the aftermath of the tragic July 1 attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan which took the lives of 20 innocent people, including one American citizen.

The bombing at the Sholakia Eid gathering only added to "our pains", she further said, adding that the largest Eid congregation in Bangladesh was a gathering for seeking forgiveness and joyous family gathering but turned into a gathering of mourning and loss.

"This is not the Bangladesh I have come to know, and I know it is not the Bangladesh you are building."

Bernicat also said Bangladesh needs to conduct a rigorous, open and thorough investigation of these attacks that coordinates closely with international partners.

There is also need for openness to accept the findings of those investigations wherever and whomever they lead to, she also said, adding that only this level of commitment will counter the threat of terrorism.

The US ambassador said it was important that efforts of raising the confidence of foreign investors, the broader public and the business community remained non-partisan and welcomed all responsible actors to join in.

Bernicat further said that the US investors and the broader international community were greatly concerned about the recent attacks like local investors and the business community.

A strong response will be necessary to safeguard Bangladesh's future and its economic progress, she added.