Finance and Planning Minister M Saifur Rahman yesterday told the visiting British Minister Hilary Benn that government will work together with the political parties and professional bodies to tackle the rise of militancy.

"We are trying hard. Taking it as a national problem, the prime minister has already urged different political parties and professional bodies for a national dialogue to find out ways to root out militancy," Saifur told the British minister.

The finance minister was briefing newsmen about his meeting with the British Minister Hilary Benn.

In the meeting at his residence in the capital, Saifur said, "Though the main opposition party Awami League did not respond positively, we will sit with the parties and professional bodies who have replied to the prime minister's letter for dialogue to tackle militancy."

If the militants' activities continue, it will hamper country's trade and business, the minister said.