US embassy cable - 05DHAKA2300

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 002300 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/17/2015 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, BG 
SUBJECT: SA A/S ROCCA'S MEETING WITH HOME MINISTER 
 
 
Classified By: P/E Counselor D.C. McCullough, reasons para 1.4 b, d. 
 
1. (C) Summary: A/S Rocca,s discussion with the Minister of 
Home Affairs emphasized that internal security issues in 
Bangladesh are clearly on Washington's radar and have raised 
concerns about the country's stability.  She suggested 
security issues would be a factor in determining the level 
of U.S. assistance in training and technology.  End Summary. 
 
2. (SBU) On May 12, Assistant Secretary for South Asia 
Christina Rocca, Ambassador, and RLA (notetaker) met for 
40 minutes with the Minister of Home Affairs Lutfuzzaman 
Babar. 
 
3. (C) A/S Rocca stated that the USG appreciated the good 
cooperation between the BDG and the FBI on the Kibria murder 
investigation, which has attracted attention in Washington 
because of reports of a whitewash investigation and of the 
destabilizing effects of political violence.  Therefore, it 
was important for BDG that its investigation and judicial 
process stand up to international scrutiny. 
 
4. (C) Babar promised full transparency and that the case 
would be referred to a speedy trial tribunal.  He stated 
that the BDG would uphold the rule of law, even if the 
investigation led to a member of the ruling party. 
The investigation has revealed that unusually large amounts 
of money were found in seven bank accounts of the key 
defendant, a ruling party local official, suggesting strong 
links to Rangs, a major Bangladeshi trading company.  Babar 
stated that he secured a judge's order to obtain the 
underlying bank documents and these documents would be made 
available to the USG along with any other information the 
USG requested. 
 
5. (C) A/S Rocca and Ambassador warned that an apparent 
upswing in extra-judicial killings by members of the 
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other police units 
could invoke Leahy amendment sanctions leading to 
Congressional investigations that would present significant 
bilateral complications for the BDG. The Minister stated 
that the day before a MHA committee finalized a proposal 
to investigate and prosecute alleged RAB misconduct, which 
calls for stricter procedures and more severe punishment than 
under current civilian or military tribunals.  RAB was 
also discussed in the context of USG technical assistance. 
When Babar expressed BDG interest in USG Coast Guard 
cutters and helicopters for border protection, A/S Rocca 
stated that the BDG,s actions on curbing the extra-judicial 
killings will be "one of the first things we look at" when 
determining USG's assistance. 
 
6. (C) Other topics included: 
 
-- Bangla Bai: The BDG is committed to arresting Bangla Bai 
but does not know where he is.  Babar cited media reports 
that he has fled the country.  A/S Rocca emphasized that 
his arrest would be a strong signal that BDG is serious 
about fighting extremism and terrorism. 
 
-- Ahmadiyas: Babar addressed USG concerns about the 
protection of this minority, vowing that the BDG 
was "doing its homework seriously" with local police to 
prevent conflicts and uphold constitutional protections to 
minorities.  A/S Rocca emphasized that religious freedom 
is important to the U.S. 
 
-- Trafficking in Persons: Investigations and prosecutions 
continue, and every police station in every district has 
a dedicated TIP team.  The crackdown has led to a downturn 
in trafficking cases. 
 
-- Border Tensions with India: Babar complained that India 
falsely claimed that insurgents took refuge in Bangladesh 
but provided no intelligence as to their whereabouts. 
Moreover, he claimed that the GOI was harboring criminals 
from Bangladesh in Calcutta. 
 
7. (U) A/S Rocca cleared this message. 
THOMAS