The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury on Thursday stressed the need for broad national consensus to fight the threat of extremism and religious fundamentalism.

Addressing the launching ceremony of a private think tank, Centre for Foreign Affairs Studies (CFAS), at Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) here as the chief guest, the foreign adviser said, "We have a number of policy challenges, in domestic, as well as in regional and international contexts."

Presided over by Chairman of CFAS ambassador Ashfaqur Rahman, the function was also addressed by former ambassadors Muhammad Zamir and Dr Afsarul Quader, Professor Dr Ahrar Ahmed, and Chief Editor of BSS Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury.

The foreign adviser said the country's think tanks - both existing and emerging - can help identify new priorities for the country's policy.

"We need to pursue our offensive interests more vigorously," he said adding, "In the climate change debate, mitigation is our defensive interests while adaptation support and technology transfer represent offensive interests."

Dr Iftekhar Chowdhury said the country's research and advocacy groups should be able to preempt national interests and induce and encourage policy makers to act on time. They have to be endowed with agility and flexibility.