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FBI man leaves assured of 'full cooperation'

Dhaka awaits next US steps

STAFF CORRESPONDENT
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent Trung Vu yesterday left Dhaka on assurance by Bangladesh government to provide full access to evidence and witnesses for FBI assistance in January 27 Habiganj carnage probe.
"The FBI's involvement in the probe now depends totally on Washington," a top police official told The Daily Star asking not to be identified, confirming Bangladesh's nod to the Washington's condition for FBI assistance.
Trung Vu, a special agent, flew in Dhaka Wednesday evening, two days after the US ambassador had
met the prime minister in response to the government's request for FBI assistance in the probe into the grenade attack on an Awami League meeting. The attack left five people including AL lawmaker and former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria killed and about 70 others injured.
The prime minister on Monday gave assurance that all cooperation to the US government would be provided if it decides to assist in the investigation, said sources.
The FBI special agent met different government high-ups and held meetings with home ministry officials Thursday to discuss terms of reference specifying the assistance requested for and its parameters.
After the successful meetings, Trung Vu left Dhaka yesterday noon for Washington, the sources said.
A diplomatic source said both sides agreed upon all major terms, but there are a few minor terms yet to be agreed upon. However, details of the terms of reference could not be known.
After talking with the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) officials involved in the probe, Trung took with him a Habiganj border map, photographs of the AL meeting venue before and after the attack and copy of statements of people arrested in connection with the attack.
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He is likely to submit a report to his office on his Bangladesh tour, specifying which and how many experts are required to come to Bangladesh, in case Washington finally agrees to involve the FBI in the probe, said the source.
Dhaka formally requested for FBI assistance on January 29. The next day US Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia Christina Rocca called Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan and said it was important that the US receives clear terms of reference for the assistance.
Rocca said the terms should include full access to all evidence and witnesses to make the FBI enquiry effective.
On Sunday, a highly placed home ministry source told The Daily Star the government has no objection to providing the FBI with full access to evidence and witnesses and is awaiting Washington's response.
The FBI is responsible for the protection of the US and its citizens from any terrorist attack. Investigation into violations of federal criminal laws and providing guidance and law enforcement assistance to federal, state, local and international agencies are also among it tasks.