Police chiefs’ regional conference begins to curb terrorism

To strengthen the fight against extremism and terrorism in South Asia and neighbouring countries, a three-day conference with the region's police chiefs began in Dhaka this morning.
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan inaugurated the conference organised by Bangladesh Police and Interpol for regional cooperation in curbing violent extremism and transnational crime.
"Fighting terrorism is not the sole responsibility of the government. So we work in partnership with religious scholars to discourage faith-based radicalisation and urge community leaders to guide young people towards more constructive beliefs and ideas," Asaduzzaman Khan said at the conference at the city's Hotel Sonargaon.
 "Today our responsibility is not only to ensure the security of our own country but also of the neighbouring countries. The militants may have virtual presence regardless boundary and in this backdrop, mutual cooperation and collective approach is a must to face the menace," he further said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque said, "The theme of our conference is truly time-befitting. In the present global context, violent extremist networks and transnational organised crime poses an enormous threat to national and international security."
"In recent years, new developments in technology and communications have enabled them to carry on their anti-human schemes with increased mobility. The greatest security threats originate from terrorism, violent extremism, international drug trafficking, and people smuggling," he added. 
Cybercrime, money laundering, counterfeiting of currency, terrorist financing has added new threats for all nations," the Bangladesh police chief said.
"We thankfully put on record that in our ongoing fight against violent extremism, we have got all-out support and cooperation from India, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Interpol and FBI. Our special thanks are due to India as they always spontaneously cooperate with us in every ways by sharing real time information, exchanging expertise, providing training and other supports," he added.