Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali seeks global support to fight terror

The foreign minister hopes Bangladesh will receive support from the global community in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

AH Mahmood Ali was briefing Dhaka-based diplomats and representatives of international agencies on Tuesday following Friday night's terror attack at a Gulshan cafe.

Seventeen foreigners, including nine Italians and seven Japanese, were among the dead in the carnage.

During the briefing at state guest house Padma, the minister said terrorism was a global challenge and that Dhaka would continue to work 'closely' with other countries, regional bodies and the UN to fight off the menace.

He assured the diplomats of the government's resolve to root out terrorism and militancy from the country.

He also said the law enforcing agencies are on alert and security measures have been strengthened further.

He condemned the barbaric acts of terror, and expressed deepest sympathy for the families of victims of the tragic incident.

Ali also thanked the countries whose leaders called the prime minster or him, or issued statements expressing sympathy and solidarity with the government and the people at this trying time of history.

Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali (File Photo)

In this connection, he also referred to the statements by UN secretary general, UN Security Council, OIC secretary general and EU high representative.

Around 50 diplomats, most of them Ambassadors and High Commissioners of different countries, attended the briefing.

The envoys expressed condolences for those killed by the terrorists in the heinous attack.

The foreign ministry said they acknowledged that most nations today face terrorism, and expressed their views on the measures that could be taken to further strengthen the counter terrorism efforts.

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and other senior officials of the foreign ministry were present during the briefing.