Hasina urges world to back Bangladesh’s battle against terrorism, violent extremism

Sheikh Hasina has solicited global support in Bangladesh’s battle against ‘a new wave of terrorism’, telling the international community that the people have joined her government in the fight against violent extremism.

She urged them to “plug the sources of fund, arms and ammunition as well as moral and material support for the militants and terrorists across the borders".

The prime minister launched the appeal in her address to the 71 General Assembly of the United National early on Thursday Bangladesh time in New York.

She reminded her global audience of the deadliest terror attack in secular Bangladesh - the Jul 1 siege of Gulshan cafe – and said, "The horrific incident imprinted a deep scar on the hearts of Bangladeshi people.

"We are now in battle with this new wave of terrorism. We have undertaken massive programmes to awaken people against radicalisation and stand against militancy and extremism."

She added, "I am confident, with our people’s resilience and support, we will make sure terrorists will have no place in our soil."

The Bangladesh leader said, "Our Government did succeed in disintegrating the home-grown terrorist groups, plugging their regular financing pipelines, and flushing out the regional operatives from our territory."

Hasina had mentioned terrorism and violent extremism as one of the two major global challenges during the General Assembly last year.

"We see these menaces sweeping across borders. No country seems immune, no individual beyond their target.

"The terrorists are killing now and often numerous innocent people everywhere from USA to Europe, Africa to Asia," she said.

"We have to identify the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. At the same time, we have to find out the mentors, masterminds, abettors, financiers, arms suppliers and trainers of the terrorists and extremists, and take strong action against them."

Some local “fringe elements” had drawn inspiration from the rise of certain international terrorist entities. They have also managed to regroup and rebrand themselves, Hasina added.

The prime minister continued, "Our world is now at a juncture, when we have the end of these scourges in sight. There are many creative and practical solutions in our hands.

"Yet, our world is not free from tension and fear. Violent conflicts continue to rage in several places, with heavy toll of human lives."

The world, she emphasised, must 'unite in our resolve to defeat and degrade them in all forms and manifestations'.