Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen called for a whole-of-society approach to prevent violent extremism and for greater community engagements with the involvement of youth, women, community and religious leaders at a high-level event on the sidelines of the LDC5 Conference in Qatar's Doha Thursday.
The event "Securing Development for LDC Graduation: Preventing Violent Extremism in Bangladesh" was held in a hybrid format by the Governing Board of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF). This was chaired by GCERF Chair Stefano Manservisi and was attended by representatives from the government, NGOs and civil society.
At the event, Masud highlighted Bangladesh's policy of "zero tolerance" and strategy based on prevention, capacity building and upholding respect for human rights in countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism.
He also emphasised the government's "massive" awareness programmes in encouraging the practice of tolerance, inclusiveness and cultural activism in society.
The foreign secretary further highlighted the government's "proactive" approach in preventing violent extremism since the Holey Artisan attacks in 2016 and "exemplary achievements" since then which are being "lauded by the United Nations and other development partners."
He also pointed out Bangladesh's position ahead of many developed countries and all South Asian countries with a sizable population in the Global Terrorism Index (2022).
The foreign secretary stressed the risk of radicalisation of the Rohingyas in absence of hope of dignified repatriation to Myanmar despite the government's programs for their education, skill development and livelihood. He urged the international community to remain engaged in finding a durable solution to the Rohingya crisis.
Stefano attributed Bangladesh's development to an atmosphere of stability, peace and security which was possible for its proven determination and ability to counter violent extremism.
Masud also held a meeting with him and discussed how to strengthen collaboration between Bangladesh and the GCERF in preventing violent extremism and maximise the benefits from its activities in Bangladesh as well as how other countries could take Bangladesh's lead.
Source: United News of Bangladesh