Bangladesh should remain vigilant against militancy threats: US Envoy

United States has cautioned Bangladesh to remain vigilant against potential militancy threats, despite the government's assertion that there is no active militant activity in the country at present.

The warning came during a meeting between U.S. Charge d’Affaires Megan Boldin and Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat on Thursday (July 10).

The discussion, part of ongoing bilateral engagement, focused on issues including terrorism, law enforcement, online harassment, and bilateral security cooperation.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Megan Boldin emphasized that "every country, including Bangladesh, faces varying levels of risk from terrorism and militancy." She added that although some political events during the previous Awami League administration were portrayed differently, the underlying threat of militancy remains and Bangladesh must remain alert.

In response, Home Affairs Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stated, "There is no presence of active militancy in the country at this time." He acknowledged, however, that some banned political groups have attempted to disrupt public gatherings, but law enforcement agencies have acted decisively to prevent unrest.

The adviser stressed that Bangladesh's law enforcement is on high alert—not only against terrorism but all forms of crime—and that appropriate directives have been issued to maintain internal security.

He also highlighted the valuable support Bangladesh has received from the United States in modernising its counterterrorism capabilities, particularly the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit.

Megan Boldin reaffirmed U.S. commitment to Bangladesh's internal security, noting that effective coordination and information sharing among agencies such as the Bangladesh Police, NSI, CTTC, and ATU would further strengthen the country's security framework.

Additional Secretary of the Public Security Division Khandaker Md Mahabubur Rahman, along with U.S. Embassy Political and Economic Counselor Eric Gillan and Political-Military Affairs Officer Josh Pope, were also present at the meeting.