Concerted efforts a must to fight terrorism

No-one can brush aside the threat of terrorism, he said, adding that the terrorists are the enemy of democracy and humanity.

Talking to reporters, Dr Howells also said Bangladesh has potential human resources, but it needs better governance.

He also termed the UK-Bangladesh relations very good.

The British state minister, who flew to Sylhet yesterday morning, visited the Sylhet Liaison office of the British High Commission, Kotwali Police Station and Burjan Tea Garden.

He lauded the role of Bangladeshi community in the UK, saying that about half a million people of Bangladeshi origin have been contributing to the British economy as well as to every sphere of the British society to a large extent.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Shah Zaman Raj and Deputy Commissioner Md Faisal Alam welcomed Dr Howells when he visited the Kotwali Police Station to see for himself the working process.

He went around to different rooms in the police station and talked to the officials who briefed him on the policing system here.

Dr Howells later joined a gathering of senior expatriates at the Burjan Tea Garden, where Sylhet City Corporation Mayor Badar Uddin Ahmed Kamran and owner of the garden Mohammad Rafique welcomed him.

Talking to reporters, he said the expatriates, who have already proved their capability in the British society, can also play a vital role in Bangladesh.

There is an ample scope for investment in different sectors in Bangladesh, he said, adding that the huge gas resources in Sylhet need to be exploited properly.

The hydrocarbon exploration gets top priority in today's world, he said.

The British government is keen to provide more assistance for Bangladesh, he said, adding that it is considering some sectors for future assistance programme.

On the services of the British High Commission, Dr Howells said the consular and other services have improved greatly in recent years. There would be a spacious office for the Sylhet Liaison office, he added.

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury and other officials accompanied the state minister. They went back to Dhaka in the afternoon.