Kazi Zahidul Hasan :
The high level task force has asked the intelligence agencies to intensify their watch on foreign funded NGOs operating in the country, and to monitor their activities after allegation that they are fueling ‘militancy’ in Bangladesh, sources said.
It has also asked the agencies to look into the expenditure of Islami Bank Foundation and some other similar institutions, which are allegedly diverting funds for operating activities of extremists groups under the cover of CSR.
The directive was issued at the maiden meeting of the task force held in the Secretariat recently. Amir Hossain Amu, Minister for Industries and Chairman of the task force presided over the meeting.
“We have information that some NGOs getting foreign fund are actively promoting militancy in many parts of the country in the name of preaching religion and misinterpreting Islami Shariah,” a member of the task force who attended the meeting told The New Nation on Tuesday.
So, the task force has asked the concerned intelligent agencies to beef up their watch on such NGOs and closely monitor their activities of illicit financing, he added.
Earlier, the government formed the task force to search source of funds for militant activities and gear up drives to prevent militancy and terror financing within the country.
The task force has also asked the agencies to provide a list of such NGOs to the task force so that it can take effective steps against them.
“The task force was launched recently to bring a more coordinated and proactive approach to mitigate the risk of militancy and prevent illicit finance by NGOs, individuals, organisations in this purpose,” he added.
As part of the cautionary measure, the task force also asked the concerned agencies to look into the suspicious money transaction by the courier services, mobile banking and bKash.
He further said, the activities of madrasa, coaching centers, hospitals, clinics and educational institutions run by the religions based organisations would also come under the scanner of the intelligent agencies.
Intelligent agencies have been asked to share experience and information with one another and develop stronger links among them in the fight against militancy and terror financing in Bangladesh.
Directive has also been given to enhance the capacity and skill of government agencies to successfully dig out the source of fund used to spread extremism and terrorism.
“We have given the emphasis on prevention and early detection of illicit fund transfer by the NGOs and individuals to mitigate the risk of militancy in Bangladesh,” he added.
He further added: One thing is clear, if we are going to turn the tide and beat the crooks, we need to work together. The government is also serious to pursue, prevent, protect and prepare against militancy, terrorism and money laundering.
