The government is mulling over a plan to amend terrorism related laws against the backdrop of growing menace of violent extremism and terrorism.
Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque said: “We will take a couple more weeks to put together amendments to the (terrorism) acts.”
He was speaking at the inaugural session of a workshop on Designation and Asset Freezing under United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1267 and 1373 at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.
He said there was an interesting debate in the cabinet last week over what amendment could be brought to the terrorism-related laws and acts. The government was surprised to find out that some global non-government organisations are engaged in terrorist financing.
“Some of the global NGOs in disguise try to get resources not for real welfare of the people but for this kind of terrorist activities,” he said.
In the name of development, NGO and welfare works resources are being pooled in the country, he added.
Over the past couple of years the government has not only put together legislation it has also implemented them.
UN Resident Coordinator Robert Watkins said murders of four bloggers by extremist groups were very unfortunate events.
He said this type of terrorist events were serious threat to the ability of any state to ensure a society where ideas can be expressed freely and openly.
He admitted that there was a huge debate over how free people could express their views.
“We all agree that people should have at least the right to express their ideas without threat and violence,” he said.
If they break the law that’s different issue but murder or threat as a consequences of it is unacceptable, he added.
