US embassy cable - 05DHAKA3530

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DHAKA 003530 
 
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: Bomb blast in Egypt;Dhaka 
 
Summary: Bomb attacks in Egypt and London were editorially 
condemned.  "Daily Star" urged the government to be alert 
about terror threats.  "Amer Desh" condemned alleged remarks 
by a U.S. Congressman urging President Bush to attack Mecca. 
 
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Bomb Attacks in Sharms el Sheik and London 
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"Terror attacks multiply: Need to tackle things calmly" 
Independent English language newspaper "Daily Star" 
editorially comments (7/24): 
 
The series of deadly attacks at the Egyptian Red Sea resort 
of Sharm el Sheik, killing at least 60 and injuring over 
100, has come on the heels of a second round of bombings in 
London, thankfully causing far less damage. While there is 
no evidence as yet that the attacks are linked in any way, 
it seems indisputable that we are now in the middle of a 
concerted terror offensive. 
There are no words to express our anger and disgust at those 
who kill and maim innocent people indiscriminately and with 
impunity for the sole reason of spreading terror. Our hearts 
go out to the victims and their near and dear ones. 
Islam, which literally means a religion of peace, does not 
sanction suicide, far less the killing of innocents by 
suicide bombers. Those who take the name of Islam to do it 
are shaming a great religion and putting Muslims throughout 
the world at some risk. 
It seems to us that the bombings were approached by the 
British authorities in a calm and mature manner, with Muslim 
MPs and religious and community leaders being consulted and 
co-opted. That said, the recent shooting to death of a young 
man at a subway station is potentially troubling. The rules 
of engagement have been changed in light of the gravity of 
the current situation. It may well be that the police had 
their reason to act as they did, but it is important that 
the public be fully aware of how and why such an action was 
taken. 
It is important at a time like this to approach things in a 
calm and sagacious manner. This is how the authorities 
cracked the first London bombing case so swiftly. This is 
the toughest and most delicate investigation the British 
authorities have ever been faced with, and the Egyptians are 
about to experience the same thing. There must be no misuse 
of the new powers that law enforcement will need to get to 
the bottom of such atrocities, either in the UK or Egypt or 
elsewhere. 
Which brings us to Bangladesh. Our observations here are two- 
fold. One, the government must do more to contain any 
possible spread of terror. CCTV is a good idea, but it is 
not enough. The government must take the threat seriously. 
Two, the fact that the threat is real and needs to be 
addressed cannot be an excuse for government repression and 
harassment of its opponents. A cool and clear head is the 
order of the day. 
 
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"Barbarism by the British Police" 
Independent Bangla language newspaper "Amar Desh" 
editorially comments (7/24): 
 
After the second bomb attack in London, the concern of peace 
loving people has increased manifold over the course of 
events.  It is really a matter of concern that terrorist 
attacks cannot be prevented although the London police are 
highly trained and equipped with modern weapons.  Side by 
side, the British Muslim community has every reason to be 
alarmed at what the British police are doing in the name of 
searching the source of terrorism.  Relatives of many 
Bangladeshi families have long been living in Britain. 
Therefore, we are also not free from their concern.  We 
strongly condemn terrorism as it has created a deep crisis 
for mankind.  But we cannot but condemn the state terrorism 
that a specific community is facing in the name combating 
terrorism.  The way the police in London killed a youth on 
Friday is unthinkable in a civilized society. 
 
We strongly condemn attempts to accuse the entire Muslim 
population of terrorism not only in Britain, but also in 
Europe and the U.S.  A U.S. congressman recently urged 
President Bush to launch attacks on Muslim religious 
installations, including Mecca.  His remarks give a partial 
picture of hostility to Muslims in western nations.  We, for 
obvious reasons, fear that this kind of remarks will help 
the spread of terrorism, instead of eradicating terrorism. 
Those who preach democracy and human rights in the rest of 
the world must show humane qualities in their words and 
practice.  Otherwise, the fire of unrest will continue to 
rage. 
 
Chammas