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Published on May 4, 2014
According to the Report, Bangladesh has made significant strides in the following aspects of counter terrorism: legislation, law enforcement, border security, terror financing, regional and international cooperation for combating terrorism, and social measures to address and fight the root causes of terrorism.
It noted that: “The Government of Bangladesh has demonstrated political will and firm commitment to combat domestic and transnational terrorist groups, and its counter terrorism efforts made it harder for…terrorists to operate or establish safe havens in Bangladesh”.
Amendments passed by Parliament in 2013 to the Anti Terrorism Act 2009 equip law enforcers with extra powers to promptly freeze funds and assets of those engaged in terrorism. Bangladesh is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. The financial intelligence unit and anti money laundering sections of the central bank, Bangladesh Bank, lead the government’s efforts in this regard.
Emphasis has been laid on the proper training of concerned personnel for combating terrorism. Bangladesh continued to participate in the US State Department’s Anti Terrorism Assistance (ATA) programme. Law enforcers including members of the police and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) received special training in crisis response, border security and investigations. Anti terrorism prosecutors received relevant skills training. Community policing have been introduced in targeted areas of the country.
Government ministries make regular use of strategic communications to counter violent extremism, especially among the youth. The Children Act 2013 provides for capital punishment of those convicted of exploiting children to commit terrorist acts. The empowerment of women has also contributed in countering violent religious extremism. Even stakeholders, including Imams of mosques and religious scholars, are regularly consulted and taken on board for strategizing.
The full report can be accessed via: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/225886.pdf
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