The Hindu : International : U.S. fears terrorist base in Bangladesh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 20, 2005

International

International

U.S. fears terrorist base in Bangladesh

Haroon Habib

DHAKA: The Pacific Commander of the U.S. Army, Admiral William J. Fallon, has expressed the fear that some international terrorist groups might have gained a toe-hold in Bangladesh, taking advantage of the situation on the ground.

He offered U.S. assistance to the Bangladesh Government to deal with the challenge "so that these outfits do not have a foothold and use the environment to spread their ideas". Admiral Fallon, who took charge of the Pacific Command six weeks ago, made the remarks to mediapersons after nearly an hour-long meeting with the Foreign Minister, M. Morshed Khan, at his office. Asked about any evidence that the U.S. may have to justify his apprehension, he pointed to the several arms recoveries recently in Bangladesh. He said the arms were probably meant for some radical groups. "Well, there have been several seizures of arms. There were some arms shipments. They were not going to the military; they were not going to any group that is up to do good."

The Admiral said the Foreign Minister, Morshed Khan, had appreciated his offer and promised that he would consider it. Mr. Khan remarked his Government would not allow the functioning of any terrorist organisation in the country.

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