Recent happenings not BD`s characteristics, Bernicat tells CNN

Dhaka, Apr 27 (UNB) – US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat has said what has been happening here in Bangladesh is not the “characteristics” of Bangladesh at all as it has a long tradition of tolerance, free speech and certainly the diversity of religions and cultures. “What have been happening here are not the characteristics of Bangladesh at all,” she said adding that the recent attackers’ violent ideology created “fear” among people. Bernicat was connected by CNN live through Skype from Dhaka on Wednesday evening to know her reactions on the recent killings of Xulhaz Mannan and Mahbub Tonoy. Responding to a question, she said Bangladesh has been a very strong partner in the fight against terrorism and appreciated Bangladesh’s government’s efforts in this regard. “This is a government that has a track record in successfully fighting terrorism in the past. It is led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who has said terrorism knows no religion and no boundary,” Bernicat said adding that Bangladesh government shows zero tolerance to any form of terrorism. Asked about reported hit lists not just in Bangladesh, Europe and even in America, the US Ambassador said, “That’s exactly correct. There have been numerous hit lists published in Bangladesh over the last year.” She said they are working “diligently” with the government, civil society and the media to help strengthen Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism. Asked what the US expects Bangladesh to do in addressing the issue, the US envoy said, “We expect the government and everyone to speak out forcefully to condemn these acts of violence.” The questioner from the CNN newsroom asked Bernicat whether the claims of terrorists groups appear to be authentic to her. In response, Bernicat said they have tracked 35 similar attacks in the last 14 months and 23 of those attacks have been claimed by the terrorist groups. Sharing her personal reaction on Xulhaz, the US Ambassador said he worked for development and human rights issue having so many admirers. Earlier, in her statement Bernicat said Xulhaz was more than a colleague to those of them fortunate to work with him at the U.S. Embassy. “He was a dear friend.”