Kerry says US to work with Bangladesh to fight terrorism, offers to provide experts

Dhaka [Bangladesh], Aug. 29 (ANI): U.S. State Secretary John Kerry during his visit to Bangladesh today expressed the US interest to work closely with intelligence agencies of Bangladesh to fight terrorism. The United States also reiterated its offer to provide experts to fight terrorism, reports the Dhaka Tribune. "We would fight with Bangladesh to combat terrorism . we have enough experts in this regard and we could help Bangladesh by giving these experts," US Secretary of State John Kerry said when he called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office today noon. After the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters saying that the one-hour meeting was held in a very cordial and warm atmosphere where the entire gamut of bilateral relations was reviewed. "We need to exchange information to combat terrorism," said Kerry and highly praised Bangladesh's tremendous development in socioeconomic progress. Kerry also showed his country's eagerness to work closely with Bangladesh in other sectors like climate, health and energy. While talking about the ongoing anti-IS drive in the Middle East, he said the IS has been cornered in the region due to the operation and many IS terrorists are now returning home on the face of the attack. When the premier recalled the assassination of Bangabandhu and most of his family members in 1975 and requested the USA to extradite Bangabandhu's killers living in the United States, the Kerry said he understands the concern of Sheikh Hasina. "The issue (of extradition) is under review by the US government," he said. Kerry's maiden visit to Bangladesh, at the verge of Obama administration's tenure-end, is deemed "significant" by diplomats as they think the US is giving importance to Hasina's government after lending a cold shoulder for years. His Dhaka visit will be followed by a visit to India, where the joint cooperation between US-India-Bangladesh in fighting terrorism will get priority during discussions. (ANI)