HPM Sheikh Hasina asks OIC to be proactive in fighting terrorism

The prime minister said this when visiting Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Iyad Bin Amin Madani called on her at her Gonobhaban residence here on Thursday.

"The Muslim countries should sit together and resolve their problems without external interference," PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim said after the meeting as the prime minister was saying.

Ihsanul Karim said the prime minister and the OIC secretary general discussed various issues relating to mutual interests including the current conflicts in Muslim regions.

The issues of human rights also came in their discussion when the prime minister observed that no human-right organization raised their voice against the killing of children, women and innocent people by Israel in the past.

Welcoming the OIC secretary general in Bangladesh, the prime minister said terrorism has emerged as a global problem. Bangladesh's stand on the issue is very clear, she said adding "we have zero tolerance to terrorism in any form and manifestation."

Saying that her family is also a victim of terrorism, the prime minister said in the name of Islam the terrorists are killing people and their acts are ultimately undermining Islam.

"The terrorists have taken the justice in their own hand while Islam clearly preaches that Allah is the final adjudicator," the prime minister said adding children of affluent and highly educated families are being motivated to join the terror group which was once focused on only poor families and madrasa students.

Appreciating the role of OIC in the past to stop the pesticidal war, which is also a part of terrorism, the prime minister said the organization can also play a big role to overcome the situation.

Ihsanul Karim said Secretary General Iyad Bin Amin Madani expressed his profound condolence at the loss of lives in recent terror attacks in Bangladesh saying the OIC is determined to play an effective role to combat terrorism.

"Terrorism and cyber crime are on rise since 1990 and we want to change the scenario," he said adding that OIC members including Bangladesh have to participate actively to combat the crimes.

Madani also laid importance on addressing the root causes of the youngsters getting involved in terrorism saying the youths are being wrongly motivated with alluring them of reward for sacrifice of their lives.

The OIC secretary general informed the prime minister of taking some measures for national reconciliation among conflicting groups in Muslim countries.

While appreciating socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, the OIC secretary general showed his keen interest in Palli Sanchoy Bank with micro deposit of the marginal people, PM's press secretary said.

PMO secretary Suraiya Begum, Bangladesh Ambassador to Belgium Ismat Jahan, who is going to join as the ambassador and permanent observer of the OIC to European Union and PM's Military Secretary Major Gen. Mia Md. Jainul Abedin were present, among others, on the occasion.

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol