Terrorism should not be associated with religion or nationality: Ambassador to UN

Staff Reporter Bangladesh strongly condemns and rejects any attempt to associate terrorism with any particular religion or nationality. Terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, race, faith, culture, ethnicity or society.” said the Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima, while speaking in a High-Level UN Meeting on International Terrorism at the United Nations on Tuesday (October 5). The Bangladesh Permanent Representative reiterated Bangladesh’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. 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. She also mentioned about Bangladesh’s close partnership with the UN entities, bilateral partners, civil society organizations in strengthening country’s response to the threats of terrorism and violent extremism Referring to the impact of Covid-19 on global terrorism, Ambassador Fatima said that the pandemic has disrupted national and global efforts to prevent and counter terrorism. She called for inclusive and resilient recovery and also increased investment in capacity building, intelligence sharing, raising awareness against hate speech, xenophobia, and infodemics and abuse of online platform. She added that through education and dialogue a culture of peace can be inculcated within societies to combat the menace of terrorism. Highlighting the gender aspects of terrorism and violent extremism, Ambassador Fatima drew attention to the disproportionate impacts of terrorism on women. She called for promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women as well as full and effective implementation of women, peace and security agenda. 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