Editorial
US decision
A rude shock to Bangladesh
It is extremely unfortunate and highly regrettable that the United States has included Bangladesh in its latest list of "terror-risk countries"-- that will be made to face stricter restrictions in the US immigration process.
The move must have come as a rude shock to Dhaka, as it has always been firmly committed to the idea of combating international terrorism and has been an active collaborator of all US efforts. So it is an unpleasant surprise that Washington has bracketed Bangladesh with the countries, which, in its perception, pose a threat to international peace.
Though it is not immediately known what will actually be the impact of the US move on different sectors, Bangladesh has reasons to feel worried, if only because the decision is a clear indication of our stand on terrorism being not fully appreciated by the United States.
The US action should be seen along with the fact that long-time US allies like Egypt and Jordan have also been included in this list. Egypt, it may be mentioned, is the highest recipient of US aid for the last two decades, outside Israel. We can also take some comfort from what the US Ambassador in Dhaka Mary Ann Peters has already come up with some sort of clarification, saying that it is a purely security measure, the ultimate goal of which is to track all foreigners visiting the United States. However, it is not clear why a country like Bangladesh, which has thrown its full weight behind the war against terrorism, had to be included in the list.
What is important now is to safeguard national interests, instead of wasting time in political bickering. We cannot be oblivious of the truth that vital sectors like RMG could be affected by US immigration restrictions on our citizens. The political parties should rise above the level of petty thinking and demonstrate that they are capable of handling any crisis collectively. No individual or party should try to take advantage of the setback. The government should invite the opposition political parties in order to exchange views on the situation that has arisen following the US decision.
It is also necessary to gear up diplomatic activities. The embassy in Washington and the consular offices in New York and Los Angeles and those in Europe have to be strengthened, as protracted diplomatic efforts might be needed to convince the US and other western countries that we are just as committed to fighting terrorism as anybody else.
We believe the US government, which gave us full marks for our stand on international terrorism in the past, will attach more importance to our track record, than the propaganda that we have been subjected to by a section of the international press, while assessing our real position vis-à-vis terrorism.
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