Discussed specifics to combat terrorism: Biswal on Dhaka visit

Nisha Desai Biswal, the US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, said before leaving Dhaka that she had discussed with the government ‘specific ways’ of how the US could support Bangladesh fight terrorism.

“Discussed w Bangladesh govt specific ways US can support law enforcement & security forces in investigating & responding to terror attacks,” she tweeted on Tuesday before leaving for Colombo at around noon, ending a two-day visit.

The US point person for South Asia arrived in Dhaka on Sunday following the July 1 terror attack in which 17 foreigners were killed.

Islamic State (IS) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Biswal visited the terror site, Holey Artisan Bakery, and met the prime minister, foreign minister, and home minister, among others. She also interacted with Dhaka-based diplomats, businessmen, and journalists.

Terming her visit “important”, she tweeted: “Concluding an important visit to Bangladesh. I conveyed support & solidarity of United States to stand w Bangladesh in combating terrorism.”

Earlier, she had offered US expertise for fighting terrorism and said, “We are committed, we are resolute terror will not win”.

“We’ll have the intelligence and information; we’ll have training and capabilities to defeat those who will seek to drive terror into our societies,” she said on Monday, while detailing future cooperation between the two countries.

“We’ll work to engage with our communities and our youth to ensure they are all seeking the right path,” she had also said.

She said she had come to express “US support” for Bangladesh on behalf of President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry. The latter, she said, had asked her to come after he spoke to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following the attack.

Kerry phoned Hasina soon after the attack and offered US assistance in the investigation with the highest international standards.

Biswal said she also said that “we are here and we are prepared to work with you as you tackle this great challenge”.

The assistant secretary also commended the government “in being open to working with the US and others who have had experiences of our own”.

“We look forward to working together so that we can share the lessons we have all learnt so that we can partner in addressing the challenges we have,” she said.