Staff Reporter :US Ambassador to Dhaka Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat has praised the law enforcement agencies of Bangladesh for their “courageous role” in curbing terrorism and militancy.”The police of Bangladesh are working hard to contain terrorism and militancy. It’s obviously a hard work, not only forBangladesh police but also for the law enforcement agencies of all countries. But the police of this country [Bangladesh] are doing well,” she said on Saturday.The US Ambassador came up with the admiration while talking to journalists after meeting Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Dr. Selina Hayat Ivy. Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was also present during the one-hour meeting held at Narayanganj City Corporation office. Bernicat, however, said that the task [rooting out militancy] is not completed yet and all should be more cautious about the militants’ activities.”The home-grown militants have been committing terrorist activities in Bangladesh. They have close contacts with international militants. It would be unwise to think that all the militancy has been eliminated completely. We have to remain alert,” Bernicat mentioned.Praising brave role of police force, she further said: “Police in Bangladesh have been tackling terrorism and militancy with patience, diligence and bravery. The law enforcing agencies [of Bangladesh] have been extending all-out cooperation to us. We [US government] have taken this issue with high importance.”The US Envoy earlier had visited two other City Corporations and in line with the programme, she paid a courtesy visit to Narayanganj City Corporation yesterday. As part of US policy, she wanted to know the authorities’ programme for containing militancy. On August 29, US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived Dhaka amid growing US’s security concerns following the July 1 terrorist attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery restaurant in which 20 hostages, including 17 foreigners, were killed.In this backdrop, Washington had issued travel warnings for Bangladesh and authorised a ‘voluntary departure’ of family members of US Embassy diplomats and staff from Dhaka.
