The New Nation - Internet Edition

Interpol is the world's largest international police organization, with 186 member countries. Created in 1923, it facilitates cross-border police co-operation, and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime. Terrorism poses a grave threat to individuals' lives and national security around the world. Interpol has therefore made available various resources to support member countries in their efforts to protect their citizens from terrorism, including bio-terrorism; firearms and explosives; attacks against civil aviation; maritime piracy; and weapons of mass destruction.

Interpol collects stores, analyses and exchanges information about suspected individuals and groups and their activities. The organization also co-ordinates the circulation of alerts and warnings on terrorists, dangerous criminals and weapons threats to police in member countries. A chief initiative in this area is the Fusion Task Force, which was created in the aftermath of the 11 September attacks in the United States.

In order to help member countries report terrorist activity, Interpol has issued practical guidelines on the type of information required. Member countries are also encouraged to report on other crimes which may be linked to terrorism, such as suspicious financial transactions, weapons trafficking, money laundering, falsified travel and identity documents, and seizures of nuclear, chemical and biological materials.

The growing possibility of terrorists launching attacks with biological or chemical weapons is a particularly urgent concern. A dedicated bio-terrorism unit at the General Secretariat works to implement various projects with the close co-operation of Interpol National Central Bureaus and regional offices.

Interpol hosted two successful international bio-terrorism conferences in 2004 and 2005 which brought together hundreds of senior police officials and experts from specialized fields to share expertise and devise strategies to counter the threat.

MD. Kamruzzaman Ferose

Santosh, Tangail