Visiting US Department of State Under Secretary Dr Sarah Sewall on Wednesday laid emphasis on a much ‘broader and bolder approach’ to effectively prevent extremist groups from drawing in newer groups and spreading to new communities globally.
“The US will continue to partner with you and help you build the bright and secure future that you deserve,” she said while delivering her speech on “Our Common Struggle against Violent Extremism” at the Department of International Relations, Dhaka University. The Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights said she has no doubt that the people of Bangladesh will maintain their deepest tradition of ‘inclusion, democracy and trusting in the power of people’ in fighting against violent extremism. Sharing the ‘common essence’ across the globe, Sewall said governments need to ‘govern effectively, transparently and inclusively’ to limit the ‘grievances’ that allow violent extremists to impact new communities.
“When governments do their job legitimately and well, violent extremists will have a difficult time taking root in the local communities,” she said highlighting governments’ very important responsibilities to speak out in the face of intolerance. US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique and Prof and Chairman of the IR Department Ehsanul Haque also spoke on the occasion. Emphasising young people’s participation, Dr Sewall said young people also have a very important role to play because they are the most ‘credible messengers’ to challenge terrorists propaganda.
The US Under Secretary also described the consequences of using fight against terrorism to undermine democracy and the rule of law. For example, she said, by targeting political opponents by allowing arbitrated detention by using excessive force or by restricting political space – all of these actions can drive people towards extremism and violence. Dr Sewall also talked about the attacks on innocent people in Bangladesh in the recent past including the killing of blogger Avijit Roy. “These attacks are not just attacks on Bangladeshi people but also on your long tradition of open debate, religious tolerance and moderation.” The US Under Secretary also appreciated Bangladesh’s role in fighting against terrorism. Quoting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Dr Sewall said terrorism knows no religion as well as no boundary. She also appreciated Bangladesh’s contribution to the global peace through peacekeeping missions.
Sewall also visited Dhakeshwari national temple and listened to the Hindu minorities and their concerns. She talked to the Hindu community members on various issues during her around an hour long stay.
Sewall who arrived here on Tuesday will meet government officials and civil society representatives to discuss governance issues and cooperation in countering violent extremism. Sewall, a long-time advocate for advancing civilian security and human rights around the world, was sworn in as the Under Secretary in February 2014.
She used to teach at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she served as Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy and directed the Program on National Security and Human Rights.
