No existence of IS in Bangladesh: Home Minister

Staff Correspondent: Terming the murder of the Italian national in Dhaka a separate incident, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that there is no existence of terrorist group Islamic State (IS) in Bangladesh.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the office of Home Ministry at Secretariat on Tuesday.

The Home Minister also urged foreign nationals not to be afraid as the law enforcement authorities are extensively investigating the incident and will arrest the murderers.

In reply to a query regarding the upcoming Australian-Bangladesh cricket matches, Kamal said, "These are two separate things and I believe the Australian team can safely come to Bangladesh for their scheduled matches. They will be provided the necessary safety measures."

The Italian national Cesare Tavella, who worked as the project manager of Profitable Opportunities for Food Security (Proofs), a project of Netherlands-based organisation ICCO Cooperation was shot dead by armed criminals in the capital`s Gulshan diplomatic zone on Monday.

According to a Reuters report, an online statement in the name of the hardline Islamist group Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in the day, Heleen Saaf van der Beek, the country representative of ICCO Cooperation, filed a murder case with Gulshan Police Station regarding the murder of Tavella.

risingbd/DHAKA/Sept 29, 2015/Noimuddin/Augustin Sujan