Dhaka: A day after Prime Minister ruled out the existence of ISIL in Bangladesh, US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat on Monday said they have everything that are needed to fight the ‘emergence’ of ISIL in Bangladesh.

‘We've everything we need to fight the emergence of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) in Bangladesh…we should never underestimate the enemy,’ she said underscoring the importance of joint efforts to address violent extremism.

Bernicat was addressing the DCAB Talk arranged by Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) with its President Masud Karim in the chair. DCAB General Secretary Bashir Ahmed also spoke at the event held at the Jatiya Press Club.

The US Ambassador said the enemy, in this case, is terrorism in general and ISIL in particular who have lots of resources.

Stressing joint efforts to address violent extremism and terrorism, Bernicat said nothing can diminish the extraordinary accomplishments made by Bangladesh.

She said Bangladesh has made extraordinary accomplishments in a very short time of period. ‘Nothing, absolutely nothing, can diminish those accomplishments,’ the US envoy insisted.

Referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s speech in the UNGA, she said that was a powerful speech where she (Hasina) said terrorism and violent extremism remain major impediments to global peace and development, and terrorists do not have any religion and boundary.

She also said these are global challenges and all countries should jointly address these challenges. “The best we can do is to investigate the killings thoroughly considering every possibility. We have to work together. Terrorists try to destroy our way of life.’

Bernicat said Bangladesh has a Prime Minister who has taken a zero tolerance to terrorism.

Responding to a question, she said they are absolutely committed to helping Bangladesh government if they are asked for help to get to the ‘bottom’ of these two killings wherever the origin is.

‘Both attacks are done in a very similar manner and it is unusual in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people’s hospitality to foreigners is legendary. It has not changed.’

As partners over the years, she said, ‘We've developed the resources, the commitment, and the shared experiences we need to counter terrorism and violent extremism.’

The US envoy said her country is determined to work together with their shared partners for the safety and security of their countries. ‘This is a global issue that requires a coordinated, global approach.’

Asked about the basis of credible information on threats in Bangladesh, she said in order for any threat to be considered credible they look at whole range of sources -- both public, from their partners and their own sources. ‘That’s certainly the case here.’

Responding to another query, the Ambassador said when ISIL takes credit for all such incidents anywhere in the world, they seek to verify that information. ‘We’re in the process of doing to know whether those claims were accurate. It’ll help us and all the partners to be able to better track terrorist activities around the world.’

The US envoy said her very first responsibility as an Ambassador is to protect their citizens and the US and other countries issued travel advisories.

‘We know that there were credible threats issues before the first killing took place. If there’re sufficient details… if there’s targeting involved and methodology involved, that consisted of credible threat,’ she said.

Bernicat, however, said their advisory does not say ‘do not to come to Bangladesh’. Even it does not say leave Bangladesh. ‘Our advisory said please exercise caution. We shared that information with our citizens not to create panic but to act cautiously.’

Further on security issues, she said they want people to remain more alert and make sure people are paying attention to it.

The envoy, however, said they feel safer now than before following the security measures taken by the government.

Responding to a question on human rights situation, the US Ambassador said the best remedy is to have investigation that is thorough, transparent and find out people who committed violations. ‘We won’t just continue to express our concerns, but we’ll offer help to address those issues.’

Earlier in her written statement, she said the US-Bangladesh relationship is stronger than ever and their interests are more closely aligned.

Bernicat said they will continue to support Bangladesh as it tackles the new Sustainable Development Goals recently adopted at the UN General Assembly Meeting in New York.

‘Our development partnership has been exceptionally fruitful, producing tangible results that both the United States and Bangladesh can point to with pride.’