Countering Terrorism in Bd

July 2007

Countering Terrorism in Bangladesh

A Strategy Paper

Research Team

Mr. Farooq Sobhan Ambassador M. Shafiullah Mr. Shahab Enam Khan

Research Assistants

Towheedul Islam Zohra Akhter Imran Kabir

COUNTER TERRORISM CORE GROUP

Chairman

Former Foreign Secretary and

President, Bangldesh Enterprise Institute

Member

Former GOC, Chittagong who oversaw insurgency in

Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT)

Former IGP, Secretary and Columnist

Research Director, Bangladesh Institute of International

and Strategic Studies (BIISS)

Editor, Defence and Strategic Affairs

The Daily Star

Director, DGFI

Specialist on religious education in Bangladesh and

Registrar, University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh

Specialist on Regional Security and

Assistant Professor in International Relations

Jahangirnagar University

Senior Research Fellow and

Project Coordinator for

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute

Mr. Farooq Sobhan

Major General (Rtd.) Syed Muhammad Ibrahim

Mr. Muhammad Nurul Huda

Dr. Abdur Rob Khan

Brigadier General (Rtd.) Shahedul Anam Khan

Brigadier General A.T.M Amin

Air Commodore (Retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury

Mr. Shahab Enam Khan

Ambassador M. Shafiullah

Major General (Rtd) Ghulam Quader

Brigadier General (Rtd.) Sakhawat Husain

Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed

Ms. Neila Husain Chowdhury

Executive Director

Center for Strategic and Peace Studies

Served in CHT, an insurgency-prone area and

Member, the Election Commission

Department of International Relations

University of Dhaka and Author of books on

Counter-terrorism

Counter-Terrorism Bureau,

Small Arms Specialist

Research Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of International

and Strategic Studies (BIISS)

and

Counter Terrorism Bureau

MEASURES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE STRATEGY

a) Preventing terrorism by blocking the process ofRadicalization of Individuals and groups

b) Pursue Terrorists, Sponsors of Terrorism, andProviders of Sanctuary to the Terrorists

c) Protecting the Public, Key National Infrastructures,and National Interests

d) Preparing for the Consequences and Ensuring anIntegrated Incident Management Capability

03

10

CONTENTS

THE NATURE OF THE THREAT

INTRODUCTION01

02

RESPONDING TO TERRORISM: THE STRATEGY03

LESSONS FROM THE PAST: EXISTING PROBLEMS INIMPLEMENTING A COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGYIN BANGLADESH

Terrorism:

the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to threaten or compel a government, the civilian

population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political and social objectives.

The nature of risks and vulnerabilities posed by terrorism in Bangladesh has become a serious threat to national

security today. In the last two decades militant groups have manifested their presence by violent acts of terrorism in

Bangladesh. Religious assassinations, political violence and bombings at public places of festivities and entertainment

and worship have stunned the country. Terrorism has become an threat to life, the economy and political and

religious pluralism in Bangladesh. For the religious terrorist groups terrorism has become a means of establishing

Islamic order in the society. For the extremist political groups terrorism is a weapon to gain political control of the

polity; and for the mainstream political parties terrorism has become a tool for political competition either to gain or to

retain political power.

In Bangladesh terrorists continue to adapt to defeat counter-measures and exploit opportunities and weaknesses in the

law enforcement agencies and political society. Countrywide terrorist bomb attacks in August 2005, including the

simultaneous detonation of over 500 bombs in multiple regions by JMB (Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh)

demonstrated an ability to attack on a massive scale. It demonstrated that terrorists operating in this country are

developing new methods of attack and improving the efficiency of existing ones, increasing the pressure on

Bangladesh's counter-terrorist agencies. As a result the agencies are in a constant fight to stay one step ahead of the

terrorists. It can be concluded that the critical sectors in Bangladesh namely energy (power, and oil and natural gas),

transportation (airways, railways, roads, shipping, and space), law enforcement (defense, police intelligence, and the

judiciary), ICT (networks and telecom), the financial sector (banking, trade and commerce, financial instruments and

insurance) and public health (medical care, water, and sanitation) are becoming vulnerable to terrorist

activities.

In this strategy, a new security environment is represented which shapes both the language of threat and the

architecture of terrorism in Bangladesh. To address the uncertainties and probabilities, to assess the relative gravity of

impact of terrorist events, and to formulate a correct, feasible and efficient public policy response to terrorism, this

strategy paper has involved all the stakeholders existing in Bangladesh - public, private, and civil society. Delivery of

security depends upon partnerships with the state apparatuses and emergency services, local authorities and

administrations, as well as with the private sector and NGOs. The strategy emphasizes the need for constructive and

regular partnerships between these sectors, led by the government, and citizens and communities. Public awareness of

the threat, understanding of the measures needed to combat it, and active support and cooperation by the public are

critical to the accomplishment of this strategy. Bangladesh should be at the very forefront of efforts to promote both

regional and international cooperation to combat terrorism. Bangladesh must be open and transparent in terms of

facing criticism from both the local and international press. The cumulative effect of terrorism, if left unchecked, will

remain as detrimental as ever to the survival of Bangladesh as a democracy. Therefore, terrorism cannot be fully

defeated without . As long as terrorism is encouraged and allowed to thrive - either pro-actively or

through silence - combating terrorism will remain a futile exercise.

The purpose of this document is to examine the nature of the terrorist threat in Bangladesh and to present a

comprehensive framework for future action. The document examines areas where the effort could be stepped-up and

suggests practical ways of improving the response. The document breaks the response down into four areas:

terrorism, Terrorists and their sponsors, the public and for the consequences

of a terrorist strike. For ease of use an annex is included with the main recommendations depicted in tabular form.

In designing this document account has been taken of strategies in use in other countries and, where there is

commonality and evidence that the measures adopted in other countries have been successful, similar measures have

been recommended for Bangladesh. High level ownership of the strategy is essential if implementation is to be

successful. We that the Chief Adviser/Prime Minister's Office co-ordinates implementation.

increasing

increasingly

national consensus

Preventing Pursuing Protecting Preparing

recommend

INTRODUCTION

01 Countering Terrorism in Bangladesh: A Strategy PaperI

Countering Terrorism in Bangladesh: A Strategy Paper 02I

There will be no quick or easy end to the threat that is posed by terrorism. Combating terrorism andsecuring Bangladesh from future attacks have, therefore, become . Terrorism in Bangladeshhas five major characteristics:

i. it is premeditated and aims to create a climate of extreme fear or terror;

ii. it is directed at a wider audience or target than the immediate victims of the violence;

iii. it inherently involves attacks on random and symbolic targets, including civilians;

iv. the acts of violence committed are seen by the society (in which they occur) as extra-normal, in the

literal sense that they breach the social norms, thus causing a sense of outrage;

v. terrorism is generally used to try to influence political behavior in some way: for example to force

opponents to provoke an over-reaction, to serve as a catalyst for a more general conflict or to

publicize a political or religious cause; to vent deep hatred and quench the thirst for revenge, and to

help undermine governments and institutions designated as enemies by the terrorists.

The principal current terrorist threat is from radicalized individuals/groups who are

using a distorted version of Islam to justify violence. This radicalization is fed by the global Islamist

agenda.

In Bangladesh, the secondary level threat stems largely from the unhealthy

competition to retain power at any cost. In the competition for political support, the costs and

repercussions of terrorism have often been ignored by the mainstream parties.

Other terrorist threats transpire from acts of terror directed specifically against the

government and state institutions and officials. Acts of terror of this kind have previously been carried out

by ultra-left or ultra-right organizations. While religious extremists have also from time to time attacked

government officials and institutions, their motive for doing so has always been to further their religious

and political objectives, whereas in the case of the ultra-left or right parties, the objective has been to

challenge the local authorities and the private sector. Finally, ethnic terrorism in Bangladesh is rooted in

the quest of indigenous minorities to protect their lands from encroachment and to safeguard their own

ethnic identity. However, after the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord in 1997 between the

then government and PCJSS, the magnitude of ethnic terrorism has been substantially reduced.

top priorities

Primary level threat:

Secondary level threat:

Other threats:

THE NATURE OF THE THREAT

So far, the government of Bangladesh has not adopted a specific, concrete and well-coordinated strategy

to combat terrorism. Terrorism is seen primarily as a security issue that requires a military response.

Therefore, the military option has generally been the preferred mode of response by Bangladesh to deal

with terrorism. Political accommodation has been used as another method to deal with terrorism. The aim

has been to deal with the issue politically through negotiations. This approach has usually followed the use

of military options and has helped contain ethnic terrorism in Bangladesh.

In compliance with the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy, the strategy suggested in this paper is

directed towards continuous action against terrorism, the cumulative effect of which will initially disrupt,

over time degrade, and ultimately destroy the growth of terrorism and terrorist organizations in

Bangladesh by using all the tools of statecraft. The strategy is divided into four principal strands:

, and

The government of Bangladesh, at various times has either directly or indirectly relied on the use of

military forces to combat terrorism. Although military involvement has been perceived to have had a

positive impact in the short-term, many of the law and order problems re-surfaced almost immediately

after the military operations had ended. The question that needs to be answered in this backdrop is how

to collectively combine domestic energies to deal with the growing problem of terrorism. From this

strategy it has become clear that the use of military force alone will not suffice, it can be at best an

enabling instrument.

Another constraint when implementing a counter terrorism strategy in Bangladesh stems from an

unwillingness to realize the importance of the growing phenomenon of terrorism. This is a serious

impediment because it points to the heart of the debate in Bangladesh about whose responsibility it is to

counter terrorism, something that shows a reluctance to understand that the problem is too big to be the

sole responsibility of any one agency, be it the police or the military or any other agency. However, the

instigation of the preparation against terrorism must be decreed by the government as combating

terrorism is always, at the end of the day, a political decision. Active operations are and should be the

result of a political decision-making process.

It has also been witnessed in the past that the government has pursued lukewarm policies toward

combating terrorism which in turn only encouraged terrorism both in political and religious forms. It has

now become a matter of critical importance that Bangladesh should adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards

terrorist activities within its territory. In this regard, all instruments at the governments' disposal i.e.

diplomatic, economic and informational, law enforcing, military, financial and intelligence related, should

be effectively and efficiently employed.

RESPONDING TO TERRORISM:

THE STRATEGY

PREVENT, PURSUE, PROTECT PREPARE.


LESSONS FROM THE PAST:EXISTING PROBLEMS IN IMPLEMENTING A COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY IN BANGLADESH

a) Preventing terrorism by blocking the process of radicalization of individuals and groups

The first principle to make an effective counter terrorism strategy requires PREVENTING the elements that

facilitate the process of radicalization of individuals or groups in Bangladesh. A Counter-terrorism strategy

to prevent radicalization must include a addressing conditions conducive to

exploitation by terrorists to create or increase their power base. To prevent radicalization vis--vis

terrorism, the following strategies need to be undertaken:

Radicalization of individuals or groups needs to be tackled by addressing structural problems in

national, regional and international levels that may contribute to radicalization. This includes the

issues of: inequality, discrimination, youth unemployment, modernization of all streams of education,

and reform in democratic and electoral institutions to bring back confidence to the secular and

progressive political system.

The leaders of the terrorist groups generally use religiously indoctrinated fanatics who seek an early

entry into Paradise, and/or who seek large financial side payments to their families, as compensation

for engaging in acts of self-destruction for terrorism. Deterring leaders who facilitate terrorism and

encourage others to become terrorists is essential.

Essential tools in preventing radicalization in Bangladesh are a public-private partnership and political

consensus.

To prevent radicalization it is important to establish the causes and to address them. Radicalization

often stems from grievances, a sense of injustice, alienation, exclusion or lack of opportunity.

To improve coordination between the intelligence and law enforcement agencies and then to respond

to terrorism effectively, efficiently and rapidly, Bangladesh has to adopt a national counter-terrorism

strategy and a detailed action plan to combat radicalisation and recruitment.

Protecting/promoting democratic governance and its associated rule of law. A comprehensive political

system upholding democratic governance at both national and local levels should be pursed /

promoted as the lack of such a government breeds terrorism. Rule of law is a for curbing

terrorism, although there is a tendency to resort to extra-ordinary, extra-legal and extra-judicial

measures to deal with terrorism.

Madrassa education has long been a subject for profound blame, to be a breeding ground for terrorism

in Bangladesh. However, recent trends in terrorism in Bangladesh reject any significant correlation

between Madrassa education and its linkages with terrorism. Only 19% of those who were arrested for

terrorism were drawn from Madrassas. Even then, that percentage figure needs to be taken into

consideration and therefore, along with the mainstream curriculum, the Madrassa curriculum should

be revised and modernized.

The Madrassa graduates (both Q'awmi and Aliya) are likely to have very limited employment

opportunities because they lack the quality of general education of their peers who are graduates of

public/private schools. This leaves them vulnerable to radicalization. There is a greater need to

facilitate employment opportunities for the Madrassa graduates.

The government should ensure better education in the Bengali/ English oriented educational

institutions and the Madrassas, and promote tolerance, through the dialogues, human rights

education, internationally shared values, mutual understanding, and school textbooks. With the overall

long-term component

sine quo non


PREVENT

objective of upgrading the standard of primary and secondary education and imparting 'life' skills,

education should be relevant and inclusive; Madrassa education in the country should be brought at

par with mainstream education curricula.

A great asset in Bangladesh's fight against terrorism is that . But

this aversion needs to be converted into active resistance through awareness campaigns and

enlightened religious education in public places including worship places.

Media should be motivated to play a constructive role in the awareness campaign. While the society

should not compromise on the principle of free press/media, the media, in turn, should not

compromise on objective reporting avoiding opinionated reports.

Islamic organizations, Imams, religious organizations or institutions should be brought into the

terrorism discourse in Bangladesh. They should be trained and designated as important actors in

combating ideological fanaticism and restraining the process of radicalization in Bangladesh.

people are strongly against terrorism


PURSUE

b) Pursue Terrorists, Sponsors of Terrorism, and Providers of Sanctuary to the Terrorists:

The strategy's second strand stresses the need to identify terrorists and deny them sponsorship. Know

your enemy is one of the most accepted maxims in warfare. Unfortunately, knowledge of the inner

workings of most of the terrorists or terrorist organizations operating in Bangladesh is inadequate and

incomplete. This needs to be addressed.

Once identified terrorists need to be pursued within Bangladesh and across borders to deny sponsorship,

support and sanctuary that enable them to exist, gain strength, train, plan, and execute their attacks. This

will disrupt support networks, cutting off funding and access to attack materials, eventually bringing

terrorists to justice. The strategy to deny sponsorship, support, and sanctuary is three-fold:

and

The following measures need to be implemented under the Pursue strand of the strategy:

The intelligence and law enforcement agencies need

, map their command and control and support infrastructure, and

then ensure the broad, but appropriate, distribution of the intelligence to all the state agencies as well

as to our regional neighbors.

Coordinate activities of the government agencies and provide assessments regarding terrorist threats,

and multi-stakeholder based strategic decisions. These can be done by establishing a Cabinet

Committee on national security, a National Security Council (NSC), and a joint intelligence unit.

Good coordination between the intelligence and enforcement agencies is an essential quality to attain,

in order to carry out an effective and comprehensive assault against existing or potential terrorist

threats to Bangladesh. This could be done by establishing a Central Inter-agency Counter Terrorism

Coordination Cell to coordinate and monitor the activities of the Counter-terrorism cells in all of the

intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

Reforming

legislation, restructuring and modernizing the infrastructure, seeking regional and international

Cooperation.

to continue aggressive efforts to identify

terrorists and their organizations


The clear and present trans-national profile of domestic and international terrorism demands greater

international cooperation over a spectrum of activities, including suppressing and freezing terrorist

financing, prohibiting Bangladeshi nationals in home and abroad from financially supporting terrorists,

denying safe haven, and taking steps to prevent the movement of cross-border terrorists.

Taking action to thwart terrorist attacks and to bring terrorists to justice

through prosecution is essential. This includes strengthening the legal framework against terrorism,

such as enacting the draft anti-terrorism Act, updating the anti money laundering Act, strengthening

the financial intelligence unit, augmenting the capacity of Bangladesh Bank, and ensuring NGO

accountability.

Restructuring and modernizing the anti-terrorism

agencies should be seen as a continuously evolving process. This involves restructuring of

organizational jurisdiction, the improvement of efficiency of human resources, technical capacities and

the modernization of intelligence gathering techniques and gadgets. The task requires adequate funds

from the state.

It is necessary to prioritize efforts based on the immediate

and predicted future terrorist threats, and Bangladesh's national interests. The task depends on the

ability of other South Asian states to fulfill their obligations to combat terrorism both inside and

outside their borders. Regional and international cooperation, therefore, should be high on the agenda

in order to strengthen Bangladesh's intelligence effort and cross-border terrorism.

A comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering regime should be established as money laundering involves a

variety of modes and agencies, related to the broader issue of corruption. The existing Money

Laundering Prevention Act, 2002 needs to be revised with focus on defining 'predicate offence',

terrorist related money laundering offence and what reporting entities/institutions should be covered.

There is a need to strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit in Bangladesh Bank to monitor money

laundering activities in the country. AML regime should cover all of the possible modes of money

laundering like . However, surveillance and compliance requirement should not

discourage legitimate banking transactions including savings, business and remittance.

Capacity of Bangladesh Bank needs to be strengthened. Therefore, investigative capacity and

jurisdiction of Bangladesh Bank should be widened.

There is a vacuum regarding inter-agency cooperation for pursuing anti-money laundering activities.

Inter-agency collaborative mechanisms among existing institutions like ACC, AG office, BB and law

enforcing agencies should be initiated as early as possible.

Introduce a NGO accountability system regarding NGO's financial disclosure and auditing systems.

Sign extradition treaties with the neighbouring countries to curtail cross-border movements of the

terrorists' and deny them shelters internationally. In this regard, regional and international measures

aimed at in the fight against terrorism should be initiated.

Technical capacity on, surveillance, investigation, apprehension, interview, protection, forensic,

interception, cyber crime and terrorism; explosives; Interview and Appraisal; Legal Handling;

Rendition and Covert Operations; Agent Running and Agent Recruitment, should be improved in

cooperation with international agencies and experts.

Reforming legislation:

Restructuring and modernizing the infrastructure:

Regional and international Cooperation:

Hundi/ Hawala

strengthening information exchange

PROTECT


c) Protecting the Public, Key National Infrastructure, and National Interests

Protection of human lives and properties, reduction of vulnerabilities to national infrastructures and key

installations, and above all, the preservation of national interests from domestic and external threats are

critical factors in combating terrorism in Bangladesh. The Third strand of this strategy is, therefore, aimed

to address the vulnerability of Bangladesh's interests. This covers a range of issues including:

The physical protection of Bangladesh, its , as well as the protection

of its democratic principles is a critical issue in Bangladesh's counter-terrorism efforts. In a world

which is becoming increasingly interconnected and technologically inter-linked Bangladesh must be

prepared to defend its interests. Through continuous law enforcement and strategic pursuit of terrorist

organizations, and by expanding physical protection and awareness, the vulnerability of Bangladesh's

people, critical infrastructure, and other interests can be reduced.

A key component of any nation's sovereignty is Like its immediate neighbors,

Bangladesh bears responsibility of the people and goods transiting its borders. While neighboring

states are expected to fulfill their similar obligations, Bangladesh nevertheless should be prepared to

interdict terrorist ground, air, maritime, and cyber traffic by positioning forces and assets to deny

terrorists' access to new recruits, financing, equipment, arms, and information. Stringent border

management system and security techniques should be adopted by strengthening the capacity of

BDR, introducing inclusive border management by including local bodies, improving identity

management and establishing cross-border cooperation.

The intelligence and law enforcement agencies in conjunction with the government service agencies

and private sector service/utility providers need to conduct regular reviews and assessments of

threats to utility services, transport and industrial infrastructures, installations, natural resources and

public health, and to develop plans that address the security of these areas.

To reduce the possibility of attacks in highly populated areas and on critical infrastructures, it is

necessary to adopt multi-faceted plans to maximize security. This could be done by establishing a

Joint-Surveillance Team comprised of personnel from different law enforcement agencies.

Modernization of the intelligence and law enforcement agencies is essential in terms of human

resources, equipment and technical competence. Institutional measures and adequate funding should

be guaranteed for these agencies.

Strengthen the capacity of BDR and the Coast Guard through advanced training, providing modern

and sophisticated communication system, logistics capacity and by improving their surveillance

capacity.

Stringent border management system and security techniques should be adopted which make use of

the knowledge of local bodies and thereby improves identity management.

Cross-border cooperation on an inter-state level with India and Myanmar should be instigated

. This can be done by signing MoUs and extradition treaties with these countries.

Measures to improve the protection of borders should also include modernization of immigration

procedures and of the Visa Information System. There is a need for joint exercises to prevent the

smuggling of radiological or hazardous materials which could be used to fabricate arms and weapons.

Measures to improve the security of transport, including the adoption of a Port Security Directive, and

the initiative to improve security at airports are essential.

populace, property, and interests

control of its borders.

without

further delay


d) Preparing for the Consequences and Ensuring an Integrated Incident Management Capability

low:

medium: high: extreme:

In the end, the mitigation of catastrophic terrorism is dependent upon the people preparing themselves

for the impact of terrorism. The fourth and final strand of this strategy is concerned with guaranteeing

that Bangladesh is as ready as possible for the consequences of a terrorist attack. It requires solid

planning, preparation and immediate response to the acts of terrorism.

It is aimed at preparing citizens and helping them to mitigate against the impacts of terrorism in the spirit

of solidarity. This seeks to co-ordinate an effective response to terrorist attacks and attend to the needs of

victims, and manage and minimise the consequences of such attacks, by improving capabilities to deal

with the aftermath.

Principle factors in this strand are as follows:

An effective, integrated response to terrorism requires incident management planning, enhanced

interoperability, and coordination, based on and supported by rapid and effective decision-making. A

committee or group empowered to take rapid action should be formed to coordinate the response.

Given the vast range of potential terrorist attack scenarios, each orchestrating a wide range of

potential consequences, it is neither practical nor prudent to plan for every scenario. Instead, planning

seeks to produce generic plans of action that are flexible enough to cater to any terrorist situation.

A national counter-terrorism alert level system can be developed to guide national preparation and

planning and to dictate levels of precaution and vigilance to minimize the risk from and occurrence of

a terrorist incident. Such a system will also prevent the public from adopting wrong measures during

terrorist situations. A Four-tier alert system can be prescribed: terrorist attack is not expected,

terrorist attack could occur, terrorist attack is likely, terrorist attack is

imminent or has occurred.

Information on any precautionary activities should be brought into public attention. Information

dissemination and protection measures should be transmitted in a clear, comprehensible and precise

manner to ensure that public and media inquiries are catered for with adequacy.

To ensure a rapid response to crisis, Bangladesh may coordinate with and seek assistance of,

international and regional agencies and partners to develop plans for alerting, containing and, if

necessary, repelling an attack in progress while ensuring adequate resources are available to mitigate

PREPARE

There is also a need to develop a Strategy to curb the proliferation of Small Arms, Light Weapons and

Explosives by improving legal and administrative measures, stockpile management, establishing

regional and extra-regional cooperation and ensuring compliance by submitting the required national

report under the UN Program of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small

Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects.'

A monitoring regime to control the manufacturing of substances used in the production of small arms

and explosives should be established with priority.

Security-related research and development needs to be encouraged by the government and private

sector to improve the protection of 'soft' and 'hard' targets against terrorism.

'


the damage. At the outset of a crisis, an interagency team capable of attending the affected area is

essential.

All appropriate agencies need to review and if necessary, amend their incident management

procedures for terrorist incidents involving the critical infrastructure and the national security interests

of Bangladesh. This requires continually evaluating and testing preparation measures to improve

response to incidents and learning lessons from incidents that have already taken place in Bangladesh

or in other countries.

Crisis management following any terrorist incident needs to be emphasized. Bangladesh has a good

track record for disaster management caused by natural calamities. Bangladesh needs a similar

management capacity to attend crises caused by terrorist incidents like bombings and other terrorism-

related violence. The establishment of a central coordinating body for crisis management, as well as

the enhancement of capacity of intelligence and security agencies is urgent. Information and analysis,

training capacity, logistics and equipment can be provided to these agencies.

Military assets and capabilities need to be identified which could support coordinated disaster response

efforts. The assets include strategic transport (air/sea), tactical transport (helicopters), medical units,

field hospitals and logistics.

Multinational exercises to test the readiness for crisis management should be held each year. Lessons

learned should be analyzed and adopted to improve crisis management.

A Financial Instrument for Community Action in the field of civil protection needs to be created. This

will enable the government to support and enhance the prevention, preparedness and response to

man-made and natural disasters both inside and outside the country.

Pilot projects are required to help victims of terrorism and their families. Additional funds for support

to victims need to be facilitated.

At the regional level, a Counter-Terrorism Coordinator can be appointed to establish an

. Operating procedures and an instruction

manual for crisis coordination arrangements can be published and should be available for mass public

dissemination.

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mitte

eon

Q'a

wm

iM

adra

ssas

1.

This

will

facilitate

em

plo

ym

ent

opport

unitie

sfo

rth

eM

adra

ssa

gra

duate

s

2.

Reduce

the

feeling

of

madra

ssa

stu

dents

that

they

are

infe

rior

toth

eir

peers

inpublic

school

Genera

lpublic

are

again

st

terr

orism

There

isa

lack

of

govern

ment

surv

eilla

nce

or

monitoring

of

Q'a

wm

im

adra

ssas

Continuous

pro

cess

6m

onth

s

Adoption

of

auniform

education

curr

iculu

min

prim

ary

,secondary

and

inte

rmedia

tele

vels

Active

resis

tance

thro

ugh

aw

are

ness

cam

paig

ns

and

enlighte

ned

religio

us

education

Adoption

of

aguid

eline

for

the

Q'a

wm

iM

adra

ssa

Min

istr

yof

Education

and

rele

vant

agencie

sN

GO

sCiv

ilsocie

ty

M

inis

try

of

Education

and

rele

vant

agencie

s,

Civ

ilSocie

ty,

Isla

mic

org

aniz

ations

12

month

s

Media

,Is

lam

icorg

aniz

ations,

Imam

s,

religio

us

org

aniz

ations

or

institu

tions

Prevent

Rem

arks

Should

not

com

pro

mis

eon

the

princip

leof

free

pre

ss/m

edia

Curr

iculu

mof

the

Q'a

wm

im

adra

ssas

are

extr

em

ely

narr

ow

and

conserv

ative

Pro

mote

bett

er

education

inth

em

ediu

ms

of

Bengali,

English

and

Madra

ssas,

and

pro

mote

tole

rance,

thro

ugh

dia

logues,

hum

an

rights

education,

inte

rnationally

share

dvalu

es,

mutu

al

unders

tandin

g,

and

school

textb

ooks


Str

ate

gy

of

In

terven

tio

n

Key

perfo

rm

an

ce

ind

icato

r

Key

au

tho

rit

ies/

ag

en

cie

sTim

eli

ne

for

imp

lem

en

tati

on

Mean

so

fV

erif

icati

on

Hyp

oth

esis

Rem

arks

Dem

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Non-d

em

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Restr

uctu

re,

reorg

aniz

eand

refo

cus

the

org

anogra

m,

jurisdic

tion

and

opera

tional

capacity

Esta

blish

National

Security

Council

Restr

uctu

re,

reorg

aniz

ed

and

refo

cused

Bangla

desh

Police

Functional

National

Security

Council

Centr

ally

Coord

inate

dCounte

r-te

rrorism

Cell

Under

active

consid

era

tion

of

the

curr

ent

govern

ment

There

isa

lack

of

inte

llig

ence

capacity

Str

esses

the

purs

uit

and

identification

of

terr

orists

,denyin

gte

rrorists

the

sponsors

hip

,support

and

sanctu

ary

that

enable

them

toexis

t,gain

str

ength

,tr

ain

,pla

n,

and

execute

their

att

acks

Should

be

repre

sente

dby

wid

er

segm

ents

of

the

socie

tyw

hic

hin

clu

des

govern

ment,

arm

ed

forc

es,

private

secto

r,civ

ilsocie

ty,

academ

ia,

media

and

religio

us

institu

tions

Pre

vention

of

terr

orism

requires

eff

ective

coord

ination

at

each

level

of

the

Sta

te

Concern

ed

auth

orities

with

active

encoura

gem

ent

from

the

Care

taker

govern

ment

Min

istr

ies

of

Hom

eAff

airs,

Defe

nce,

Fore

ign

Aff

airs,

Police,

Arm

ed

Forc

es,

ACC,

Bangla

desh

Bank,

NG

OBure

au

12

month

s

Continuous

pro

cess

24

month

s(P

arlia

menta

ry)

12

month

s(C

are

taker

govern

ment)

The

Advis

ers

Council

of

Cabin

et

Parlia

ment

Should

em

pow

er

police

by

giv

ing

adm

inis

trative

and

financia

lauto

nom

y

Prevent

Modern

ization

of

Police

Impro

ve

inte

llig

ence

capacity

Pursue


trate

gy

of

In

terven

tio

n

Key

perfo

rm

an

ce

ind

icato

r

Key

au

tho

rit

ies/

ag

en

cie

sTim

eli

ne

for

imp

lem

en

tati

on

Mean

so

fV

erif

icati

on

Hyp

oth

esis

Rem

arks

Dem

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Non-d

em

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Esta

blish

Cabin

et

Com

mitte

eon

national

security

Counte

r-te

rrorism

cells

Reduce

the

possib

ility

of

att

acks

inhig

hdensity

are

as

and

critical

infr

astr

uctu

res

Functional

Cabin

et

Com

mitte

eon

National

Security

Desig

nate

dand

custo

miz

ed

Counte

rte

rrorism

cells

inth

ese

are

as

Join

t-Surv

eilla

nce

Team

In

ter-

agency

part

icip

ation

should

inclu

de

inte

llig

ence

agencie

ssuch

as

infr

astr

uctu

respecia

lities

(i.e

.IC

Texpert

s,

engin

eers

,arc

hitects

)

Toexecute

decis

ions

on

security

issues

inclu

din

gte

rrorism

based

on

recom

mendatio

ns

of

the

National

Security

Council/P

ublic

Security

Council

Monitor

and

imple

ment

CT

activitie

sin

various

field

level

inte

llig

ence

and

law

enfo

rcem

ent

agencie

sin

clu

din

gfinancia

lin

stitu

tions

Pro

tection

of

public

pla

ces

and

critical

infr

astr

uctu

re

Min

istr

ies

of

Hom

eAff

airs,

Defe

nce,

Fore

ign

Aff

airs,

Police,

Arm

ed

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es,

ACC,

Bangla

desh

Bank,

NG

OBure

au

Various

Govern

ment

agencie

s

24

month

s(P

arlia

menta

ry)

12

month

s(C

are

taker

govern

ment)

12

month

s

12

month

s

The

Council

of

Advis

ers

Cabin

et

Parlia

ment

Pursue


Str

ate

gy

of

In

terven

tio

n

Key

perfo

rm

an

ce

ind

icato

r

Key

au

tho

rit

ies/

ag

en

cie

sTim

eli

ne

for

imp

lem

en

tati

on

Dem

ocra

tic

sett

ing

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em

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Str

ingent

NG

Oauditin

gsta

ndard

and

transpare

nt

financia

lsyste

m

Revis

ed

Money

Laundering

Pre

vention

Act,

2002

Bangla

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NG

Oaccounta

bility

syste

m

Com

pre

hensiv

eanti

money

laundering

regim

ein

volv

ing

avariety

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agencie

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blish

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ancia

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Str

ength

en

the

Capacity

of

Bangla

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18

month

s

6m

onth

s

Bangla

desh

Bank,

SEC,

NG

OBure

au

The

Council

ofAdvis

ers

Continuous

pro

cess

Mean

so

fV

erif

icati

on

Hyp

oth

esis

Rem

arks

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elines

for

NG

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ed

Money

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vention

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2002

Tra

inin

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pers

onnel,

modern

ization

of

bankin

gsyste

mand

surv

eilla

nce

Code

of

Corp

ora

teG

overn

ance

can

be

issued

tom

onitor

auditin

gsta

ndard

s

Under

active

consid

era

tion

of

the

curr

ent

govern

ment

BEI

and

SEC

have

already

form

ula

ted

Code

of

Corp

ora

teG

overn

ance

for

the

NG

Os

focusin

gon

its

auditin

gand

govern

ance

syste

ms

Surv

eilla

nce

and

com

pliance

requirem

ent

should

not

dis

coura

ge

legitim

ate

bankin

gtr

ansactions

inclu

din

gsavin

gs,

busin

ess

and

rem

itta

nce

In

vestigative

capacity

and

jurisdic

tion

of

Bangla

desh

Bank

should

be

wid

ened

Pursue


trate

gy

of

In

terven

tio

n

Key

perfo

rm

an

ce

ind

icato

r

Key

au

tho

rit

ies/

ag

en

cie

sTim

eli

ne

for

imp

lem

en

tati

on

Mean

so

fV

erif

icati

on

Hyp

oth

esis

Rem

arks

Dem

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Non-d

em

ocra

tic

sett

ing

Collabora

tion

am

ong

ACC,

AG

off

ice,

BB

and

law

enfo

rcin

gagencie

s

Min

iste

rial

activitie

s

Tra

inin

gpro

gra

ms

and

adequate

budgeta

ryallocation

for

advancin

ghum

an

resourc

es,

equip

ments

and

technic

al

com

pete

ncie

s

Inte

r-agency

com

mitte

e

Extr

aditio

ntr

eaty

or

MoU

sor

dip

lom

atic

eff

ort

s

Vacuum

regard

ing

inte

r-agency

coopera

tion

for

purs

uin

ganti-

money

laundering

activitie

sexis

ts

Regio

naland

inte

rnational

measure

saim

ed

at

str

ength

enin

gin

form

ation

exchange

inth

efight

again

st

terr

orism

should

be

initia

ted

Regio

naland

inte

rnational

coopera

tion

could

be

sought

Inte

r-agency

coopera

tion

for

purs

uin

ganti-

money

laundering

activitie

s/

cam

paig

n

Sig

nextr

aditio

ntr

eaties

with

India

,M

yanm

ar,

Nepal,

Bhuta

n

Modern

ization

of

the

inte

llig

ence

and

law

enfo

rcem

ent

agencie

s

12

month

s

18

month

s

Continuous

pro

cess

Inte

r-agency

initia

tive

led

by

Bangla

desh

Bank

Min

istr

ies

of

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eAff

airs,

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nse,

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ign

Aff

airs,

Police,

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ed

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es,

ACC,

Bangla

desh

Bank,

NG

OBure

au

Min

istr

ies

of

Fore

ign

Aff

airs,

Hom

eAff

airs,

the

Council

of

Advis

ers

Pursue

Countering Terrorism in Bangladesh: A Strategy Paper 16IS

trate

gy

of

In

terven

tio

n

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perfo

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Key

au

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topre

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radio

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hazard

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hcould

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bricate

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focus

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impro

vin

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gal

and

adm

inis

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ckpile

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blishin

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aste

rm

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ent

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Four-

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ack

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:te

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em

e

Enable

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security

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ate

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all

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ats

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naland

inte

rnational

assis

tance

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ctice

Min

istr

ies

of

Hom

eAff

airs,

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nse,

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ign

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airs,

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ed

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es

The

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Inte

r-agency

initia

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din

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Inte

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Protect Prepare

The is an independent non-profit

research centre established in October, 2000. The Institute has established

for itself a reputation for excellence in its research and advocacy work

focusing on private sector development in Bangladesh, security and

promotion of regional cooperation. The Institute promotes issues of

importance to the private sector and initiates essential measures to

influence policy making for the development of a market-oriented economy.

BEI hopes to address the enormous challenge that Bangladesh faces in

securing a fair share of the global market. Since its inception, BEI has been

working as a catalyst to foster the growth of private sector in Bangladesh.

For details please visit

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www.bei-bd.org

Documents

Countering Terrorism in Bd