20 hostages were brutally murdered during the chilling siege that lasted over 10 hours. (AFP photo)
Bangladesh is open to seeking India's assistance on the recent blasts in Dhaka and at Kishoreganj, if needed, as the country was determined to fight terrorism, a senior Bangladeshi official said today.
"Whenever, wherever we need assistance we will seek assistance as fighting terrorism is our main concern. We are determined to fight terrorism," senior advisor to Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Foreign Affairs, Gawhar Rizvi said.
"Our prime minister has asked our agencies to share the details with partner countries," Mr Rizvi told reporters when asked whether Bangladesh has sought help from India or USA's FBI on the blasts on the sidelines of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Initiative Business Forum meeting.
Bangladesh, he said, is taking all steps to tighten security measures to prevent any future threats. A nation-wide campaign has been initiated to identify those who have been missing for months and maintain a database.
Asked whether the same is done in case of persons or students missing after terrorist attacks, Mr Rizvi said "When fighting terrorism you cannot turn a blind eye on any possibility.
"Terrorists come in all shapes and sizes - they have no religion, no humanity. This has taught us to look everywhere - why educated youth are being attracted (to terrorist activities). How are they getting sucked into this?
"That is why we are bringing universities, teachers, other stakeholders together to find out if there is any flaw in the curriculum. Are we as parents neglecting our children or is the government doing something that is alienating our youth from the society? This is the time for soul searching," he added.
The blasts have, however, not dented business sentiment confidence in Bangladesh, he said.
"We are organising a meet with business houses of Bangladesh at Dhaka to appraise them of the steps the government is taking in fighting terrorism."
The creation of infrastructure will be the key to regional and sub-regional cooperation and role of private sector is very important in this regard, he emphasised.