US Congressman Joseph Crowley expressed his deep concerns on the presence of extremist groups in Bangladesh, but sees it as the country's own responsibility to deal with them, the visiting American told journalists yesterday following a close-door meeting with newspaper editors.
Although extremism in Bangladesh concerns him, Crowley said the problem is more acute in other countries.
The congressman, at the end of a four-day visit to Bangladesh, told journalists at Hotel Sonargaon that he wants to see closer co-ordination between Bangladesh and the United States. "Bangladesh has been a strong supporter of the US from the outset on the war on terror, as it progresses we hope to continue the relationship we have with Bangladesh."
Earlier in his visit, the Democratic Congressman unleashed a series of criticisms of the ruling government's "wrong" and "unfortunate" decision to ban Ahmediya publications.He said that although US favors the majority rule, the rights of the minorities need to be protected too. He also stressed that the government must reign in endemic corruption if it hopes to brighten its negative image abroad.