Bangladesh's ruling ally call for better fight against terrorism

Hundreds of politicians and activists have created a human chain Tuesday in Dhaka, urging for a united effort to better combat militancy and terrorism in Bangladesh.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), or National Socialist Party, an influential ally of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League, led 14-party alliance, formed the human chain in front of the National Press Club for hours holding placards and banners with anti-militant and patriotic slogans.

The event took place in the wake of the two major terror attacks that occurred here, including the July 1 siege staged by militants.

The July 1 deadly terror attack at a Spanish restaurant in Dhaka left 22 people, including 18 foreigners and two police officers dead.

Only six days later, several explosions and gunfire took place at the entrance of the country's largest Sholakia Eid prayer venue in Kishoreganj district, some 117 km northeast of Dhaka, on the morning of July 7.

At least four people were killed, including two police officers and one of the attackers.

Muslim-majority Bangladesh has been facing a surge in violent attacks in recent years, in which secularists and other religious groups have also been targeted.

Bangladesh's Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu spoke to the human chain on Tuesday, noting for the last seven and half years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, they are trying to keep Bangladesh on the course of constitutionalism and democracy.

"But the major threat is coming from the terrorist and fanatic groups," said Inu, also JSD president.

"We think that it is necessary to destroy terrorists and we have a zero tolerance policy about the terrorists," he said, adding the political parties and leaders supporting terrorist activity are "partners of terrorists". Endit