Staff Reporter: Effective counter-terrorism requires political will and timely action. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s determination, unwavering commitment and timely action have helped us to launch a social movement to fight terrorism,” said Rabab Fatima, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. She made the remarks while addressing a special meeting on Thursday (November 4) to mark the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1373 and the establishment of the Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee. She also mentioned Bangladesh’s solidarity with the people affected by all the terrorist attacks around the world, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
Reiterating Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, Permanent Representative Fatima mentioned that Bangladesh is party to all international counter-terrorism instruments. In this regard, she highlighted the various national legislative and policy actions of the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in curbing terrorism, violent extremism, terrorist financing and related menaces.
With regard to the effective implementation of resolution 1373, Ambassador Fatima stressed on the need to address the capacity gaps, effective cross-border cooperation at all levels, seamless exchange of operational information among nations and address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. She urged for robust collaboration between the UN Security Council and Member States in this regard.
Ambassador Fatima concluded her remarks by reiterating Bangladesh’s abiding commitment to remain a strong and reliable partner of all international efforts to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
BP/SM