The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith yesterday urged the caretaker government to lift the state of emergency ahead of parliamentary elections planned by the end of the current year.

"Achieving democracy is vital for Bangladesh's future stability," she told a crowded press conference at the British High Commissioner's residence in the city.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury and Director of the UK Border Agency Mark Sedwill were present at the press conference.

The British Home Secretary arrived in Dhaka late on Tuesday on a three-day visit to discuss the forthcoming election and other bilateral issues.

"We (Bangladesh and Britain) have reached an agreement to share responsibility in tackling terrorism," she said.

Jacqui Smith revealed that terrorist outfits of Britain and Bangladesh have potential linkages.

Senior government and intelligence officials of the two countries would meet in June to work out short-and long-term measures to tackle the extremism.

"Yes, there is a potential linkage between terrorists in Britain and terrorists in Bangladesh and we have shared interest and shared endevaour to tackle it through both short-and long-term measures," she said.

Smith, who had series of meetings with the Chief Adviser, Home Adviser, Foreign Adviser and the Army Chief yesterday, said as short-term mechanism the two countries agreed to share information to catch the terrorists killing people in both Britain and Bangladesh. And long-term measures are to prevent people from joining terrorist acts.

Replying to a question, the Home Secretary said, "We agree with the US analyses about Huji-B as potential threat."

The US State Department on March 5 designated Harkat-Ul-Jihad-i-Islami-Bangladesh (Huji-B) a 'Foreign Terrorist Organization'. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the leader of Huji-B signed the February 1998 fatwa sponsored by Osama bin Laden that declared American civilians to be legitimate targets for attack. Since then, Huji-B has been implicated in a number of terrorist attacks.

"We value our counter-terrorism relationship with Bangladesh very highly," she said, adding, "Sadly, both our countries have known the horrors of indiscriminate terrorist violence and have seen damaging effect of extreme ideology which only nurture divisions, fear and suspicion."

Smith noted that Bangladesh has shown commitment to tackling terrorism and "We welcome recent successes in making arrests. "There can be no room for complacency, however. It is important also to address root causes of radicalization."

Asked about the general election in Bangladesh, Smith said durable and sustainable elections are important for the future of Bangladesh nationally and internationally and expressed her firm optimism that the elections are going to be held according to the announced roadmap.

The visiting Home Secretary said during her talks with the government and the military leaders, she was reassured that institutional reforms, registration of voters and other necessary elements are on the right track to deliver a credible election.

"Achieving democracy that can endure will be vital to Bangladesh's future stability, development and prosperity," she told the journalists, adding that the UK, as a close friend of Bangladesh and its people, supports the process and ambition for transparent, inclusive and fair elections of the highest standard before the end of 2008."

Smith said Britain encourages positive participation in dialogue for inclusive election and consensus over reforms which can sustain democracy in Bangladesh beyond that.

Asked whether the United Kingdom will show liberal attitude to Bangladeshi chefs for British curry industry, the Home Secretary said the matter was raised and discussed at every meeting she had in Dhaka.

She said the British curry industry run by Bangladeshis is making significant contribution to the British economy. And would talk to the catering association in London as to how to develop skills of chefs so they can come under the British point-based immigration policy.

In reply to a question about recovery from abroad of the money

siphoned off by corrupt politicians, Smith said she would certainly look into it and help recover the stolen assets if they could be identified.

Our Sylhet Correspondent reports: The visiting British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said they wanted to see a strong and accountable government in Bangladesh, which would strengthen relations between two countries.

Smith was talking to newsmen during her brief stay in the town yesterday. She hoped that a strong and accountable government would be established in Bangladesh soon.

The British Secretary who flew in here by helicopter opened a campaign against 'forced marriage' by pasting sticker on auto rickshaw in front of circuit house.

Speaking at the function she said Bangladesh has the second highest number of forced marriage in the world. She assured that her government would extend all out cooperation for prevention of forced marriage.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury was present at the function.