US embassy cable - 05DHAKA1805

UNCLAS DHAKA 001805 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR I/FW, B/G, IIP/G/NEA-SA, B/VOA/N (BANGLA SERVICE) STATE 
FOR SA/PAB, SA/PPD (LSCENSNY, SSTRYKER), SA/RA, INR/R/MR, 
AND PASS TO USAID FOR ANE/ASIA/SA/B (WJOHNSON) 
 
CINCPAC FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR, J51 (MAJ TURNER), J45 
(MAJ NICHOLLS) 
 
USARPAC FOR APOP-IM (MAJ HEDRICK) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, OIIP, OPRC, KPAO, PREL, ETRD, PTER, ASEC, BG, OCII 
SUBJECT: Media Reaction: Admiral Fallons's Visit to 
Bangladesh;Dhaka 
 
 
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Admiral Fallons's Visit to Bangladesh 
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Summary: Admiral Fallon echoed foreigners' concerns about 
the presence of international terrorist groups in 
Bangladesh. Admiral Fallon pointed to militant Islamic 
groups but he could not prove their links with Osama bin 
Laden. 
"Bangladesh In the Eyes of Foreigners" 
Largest circulation Bangla language newspaper "Prothom Alo" 
editorially opines (4/19): 
Admiral Fallon echoed foreigners' concerns about the 
presence of international terrorist groups in Bangladesh. 
Bangladesh Foreign Minister claimed that Bangladesh will not 
allow the emergence of terrorism.  We want to see the 
Foreign Minister's assertions implemented.  The European 
Union also condemned bomb attacks in Bangladesh and asked 
Bangladesh to punish the criminals.  The government often 
speaks about tarnishing Bangladesh's image abroad.  But an 
image is created within the country not outside.  Foreigners 
have been observing what steps the Bangladesh government is 
taking.  The government should try to prove its sincerity 
about curbing terrorism by taking adequate steps.  There are 
many discrepancies in its actions, which should be removed. 
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"International Terrorist Clique?" 
 
Large circulation Bangla daily "Jugantor" editorially 
comments (4/19/05): 
 
When a country like the United States has been saying again 
and again that international terrorist groups exist in 
Bangladesh, the government should seriously think about the 
matter. The United States is willing to work with Bangladesh 
to address the issue.  Admiral Fallon cited the Chittagong 
arms haul in order to prove his assertion.  The question is 
has the Bangladesh government been able to arrest Bangla 
Bhai although many of his followers have been arrested? 
Which local and foreign groups are involved with the 
Chittagong arms haul is yet to be found out. If Bangladeshi 
terrorists are members of international groups, their 
identities should be disclosed.  Root of terrorism must be 
wiped out.  Bangladesh may seek the assistance of many 
countries, including the United States, in eliminating 
terrorism.  But that assistance must be unconditional. 
Terrorism is not an isolated incident.  It must be seen as 
part of the socio-economic and political problems.  Poverty 
and backwardness must also be eliminated in order to curb 
terrorism.  Admiral Fallon pointed to militant Islamic 
groups but he could not prove their links with Osama bin 
Laden.  We urge the government to take stern measures 
against the militants, as they are enemies of the people and 
the state.  If Bangladesh can solve its own problem, it will 
not need advice from outside. 
 
Thomas