US embassy cable - 05DHAKA290

UNCLAS DHAKA 000290 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR SA/PPD (SSTRYKER) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KPAO, PHUM, PTER, ASEC, BG 
SUBJECT: SUGGESTED PRESS GUIDANCE - NYT MAGAZINE ARTICLE ON 
BANGLADESH 
 
1.   In the January 23 edition of the New York Times Magazine, an 
article on Bangladesh entitled "The Next Islamic Revolution?" is 
generating significant local reaction.  In the event it is raised 
at the noon press briefing or with SA/PB, we suggest the 
following guidance: 
 
     Q: THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE ARTICLE ON BANGLADESH 
SUGGESTS IT IS ON THE VERGE OF BECOMING A RADICAL ISLAMIC 
REPUBLIC.  DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT ASSESSMENT? 
 
A: Our concerns about the actions and the profile of extremist 
elements in Bangladesh are well known.  We regularly call on the 
Bangladesh Government to support human rights, the rule of law, 
and to protect all Bangladeshis, including religious minorities, 
from extremists. 
 
We remain hopeful about Bangladesh's future.  A traditionally 
moderate and tolerant country, it has made great strides in its 
soci-economic development since independence in 1971. 
Bangladeshis have fought hard for the right to vote and to be 
governed democraticallyUltimately, however, the future of 
Bangladesh hinges on its ability to remain true to these 
traditions, to hold free and fair elections, to combat corruption 
effectively, to expand economic growth, and to treat all citizens 
with equal respect and dignity. 
 
 
 
 There is a picture accompanying Ms. Griswold's article of an 
anti-Ahmadiyya rally last November - it's worth mentioning that 
the police maintained the peace at that rally, and blocked 
efforts by extremists to capture the Ahmaddiya central 
headquarters in downtown Dhaka. 
 
 
 
     Q: WHO IS BANGLA BHAI? IS HE A SERIOUS THREAT? 
 
     A: Bangla Bhai's identity, as well as his current 
whereabouts or activities, is unclear.  He and his followers have 
allegedly been involved in murder and other criminal acts, and 
the Bangladesh Government states that it has issued a warrant for 
his arrest.  We hope that Bangla Bhai, like all alleged 
criminals, are brought to justice. 
 
     Q: IS IT TRUE THAT YOU PRESSURED THE BANGLADESH GOVERNMENT 
TO CLOSE TWO EXTREMIST CAMPS LAST YEAR? 
 
     A: We can't comment on diplomatic exchanges, but we have 
regularly urged the Bangladesh Government to investigate 
allegations of extremist activities in Bangladesh, take 
appropriate corrective actions, solve well-publicized crimes with 
alleged extremist connections, and to act in a manner consistent 
with its support for the global war against terrorism. 
 
     Q: DID THE CHITTAGONG ARMS HAUL RESULT FROM AN INDIAN 
INTELLIGENCE TIP? 
 
     A: You should direct that question to the Indian or 
Bangladeshi governments. 
 
THOMAS