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Babar in US explains steps to try Kibria killers, protect Ahmadiyyas

State Minister for Home Affairs Lutfozzaman Babar, now on an official visit to the USA, called on Senator Edward Kennedy at the Capitol Hill on Thursday.

He apprised the US Senator of various measures taken by the Bangladesh government to ensure trial of all the killings, particularly that of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria.

Senator Kennedy lauded Bangladesh for taking necessary steps to fight domestic violence, according to a message received in Dhaka yesterday.

He assured the state minister of his support for the Trade Bill, which, if passed in the US Congress, will allow quota-free access of Bangladesh’s garment products to the US market.

Later, Babar held talks with US Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns who recalled his recent visit to Bangladesh.

Babar informed Burns about the steps taken by the government to curb crimes. He also mentioned the government steps for protecting the interests of the Ahmadiyyas.

Burns termed the US-Bangladesh bilateral relation excellent and gave assurance of continued US support to Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism.

The state minister also held talks with Assistant Secretary of Narcotics Control Department Nancy J Powell and Chief of Counter Terrorism Department Karen Aguilar.

During the meetings, the Bangladesh minister told the US officials that there is no place for terrorism in Bangladesh and no Bangladeshi is involved in such activities at home and abroad.

Aguilar informed Babar that the Personal Identification Secure Information System agreement signed between the United States and Bangladesh would come into force in September this year.

Bangladesh Ambassador Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury and other high officials attended the meetings.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/2005/07/30/d50730011815.htm