Bangladesh Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan has urged joint security operations with India to flush out terrorists from both the countries.

"If the two countries chase them, terrorists based in Bangladesh will not be able to take shelter in India and similarly the Indian ones in Bangladesh... Their escape routes would be closed," he told journalists here Monday evening.

At least five Indian insurgents along with a Bangladeshi aide were killed in a remote forest in Kamalganj in the northeast Moulvibazar district during a fierce gunfight with security forces that launched a sudden drive early Friday.

Khan said the latest operation by Bangladesh law enforcement agencies in Moulavibazar would strengthen the relations between India and Bangladesh.

"Whoever the insurgents are, we will eliminate them, irrespective of religion or caste," he stressed.

Khan said the security forces would continue such operations. "We will carry out raids and eliminate terrorists whenever we get information," Khan said.

"We have clearly stated earlier and we are reiterating that we will never allow anyone to use Bangladesh for terrorist activity," the minister said adding that the anti-insurgent operation in Moulvibazar was a pointer in this direction.
 
Asked about the identity of those killed, Khan said the home ministry was trying to ascertain their identities.

--Indo-Asian News Service