Improve governance, reduce poverty to stem terrorism

Security experts tell discussion

12 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Terrorism will continue to grow in South Asia unless the authorities take immediate steps to improve governance, reduce poverty and build trust among all, security experts said yesterday. "Terrorism has been created artificially by three reasons -- bad politics, failed governance and failed development. A separate regional mechanism should be created to address these issues," said Prof Syed Anwar Hossain of Dhaka University at a discussion. The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised the discussion titled 'Countering Terrorism: Building a Common Approach in Saarc' at its auditorium in the city in collaboration with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi, and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). A book on the similar topic published by Consortium of South Asian Think Tanks was also launched. IPCS Director Maj Gen (retd) Dipankar Banerjee edited the book. Prof Anwar Hossain said the environment in the region has been made such where terrorists grew like anything. It is a national as well as regional problem and so a common approach is imperative to address terrorism. "A well trained think tank could help counter the menace," he added. Dipankar Banerjee said Afghanistan is a major hub of militants and they are spreading to parts of Pakistan, India and even Bangladesh. "If this trend increases, the problem will really deepen." He suggested sharing of information by the intelligence agencies of the Saarc region, and cooperation among the think tanks, especially among the home ministers and police, to fight terrorism. There should be a common policy for all the Saarc nations that none would shelter and finance the terrorists, Banerjee said. Prof Rashid Ahmed Khan of Pakistan said mistrust between Pakistan and India is one of the major reasons behind increasing terrorism. More people-to-people contacts and ending bilateral tension could help address the issue, he said. Citing European Union's examples, German Ambassador in Dhaka Holger Michael said the national governments have to overcome 'historic burdens' for better regional cooperation. "We want all member countries of Saarc to join the fight," he said. KAS Resident Representative Dr Beatrice Gorwantschy, BIISS Director General Maj Gen Golam Mohammad and IPCS Deputy Director Dr Suba Chandran also spoke. BIISS Chairman Maj Gen Muhammed Firdaus Mian chaired it.