US wants to cooperate with Bangladesh on combating terrorism

The United States wants to join forces with Bangladesh in the fight against terrorism, Secretary of State John Kerry has told Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Kerry, who arrived on Monday morning on a whirlwind Dhaka visit, met Hasina at her office.

Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim told the media the prime minister asked Kerry for duty- and quota-free access to the US market for all Bangladeshi products.

On the fight against terrorism, he said, "The US secretary of state said the two countries need to share intelligence."

Karim said Kerry expressed the US interest to work 'more closely' with Bangladeshi intelligence agencies. "He said they have enough expertise to combat terrorism. The prime minister said that intelligence-sharing would largely benefit Bangladesh."

The PM's press secretary quoted Kerry as telling Hasina that the Islamic State (IS) has been cornered in Syria and its foreign fighters (non-Syrians) are returning to their countries.

When the prime minister asked him about the source of funds and arms of the IS, Kerry said the militant group raises revenue by selling oil from the part of Iraq and Syria under their control, according to Karim.

On his maiden visit to Dhaka, Kerry arrived from Geneva in the morning. He is scheduled to leave for New Delhi in the evening.

Hasina received Kerry when he arrived at her office in Dhaka at noon.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali and Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi were present at the time.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Nisha Desai Biswal and Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat, along with other US officials, accompanied Kerry.

During the hour-long meeting, Kerry said the two countries can also work on climate change, health and energy.

"The secretary of state praised Bangladesh and said 'you have done a remarkable job'," said Press Secretary Karim.

State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark Toner said Secretary Kerry met Hasina to discuss broad bilateral engagement on democracy, development and security, and increasing partnership on global issues.

In particular, he focused on “our joint efforts to confront the global terrorist threat that both the United States and Bangladesh face. He also emphasised the importance of upholding human rights and democratic values.”

Kerry praised Bangladesh’s impressive development progress and commitment to contributing to solving global challenges through UN peacekeeping and action on climate change, Toner added.