Rocca asks Bangladesh to hunt down hardliners

DHAKA — US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs Christina Rocca has expressed concerns at the Ahmadiyya incidents and extra-judicial killings by the law-enforcers in Bangladesh.

She asked Dhaka to hunt down those who would undermine its long tradition of nurturing tolerance, moderation and peace, and hoped that Bangladesh would establish democratic rights and ensure justice for the people.

“We are concerned about the Ahmadiyya issue, but we know Bangladesh has a long history of (religious) harmony and tolerance. We hope that this harmony and tolerance would continue in this country. Bangladesh is known as a voice of moderation in the world and I hope that this global acclimation would be maintained,” she said.

Rocca, on a two-day official visit, spoke at a Press conference at the American Centre in Dhaka after a series of meetings with government and opposition leaders.

“We want that all terrorists are prosecuted wherever they are, whether they are in Bangladesh or elsewhere. Essentially in Bangladesh, we will certainly encourage the government to go after those who would undermine the long tradition of tolerance, moderation and peace. These elements are not only a threat to the US but also other countries where they are active.”

Source: http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2005/May/subcontinent_May509.xml&section=subcontinent&col=