Boucher backs S Asian 'anti-terror taskforce'..............

Visiting US assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs Richard A Boucher has backed Bangladesh's proposal for a regional anti-terror taskforce.

"It's a good idea. We'll see how other countries in the region react," said Boucher after meeting with home minister Sahara Khatun on Saturday.

Boucher, who arrived in the capital early morning on a two-day visit, urged Bangladesh to ensure its soil was not used for launching terror attacks or harbouring militants.

State minister for home Tanjim Ahmed Sohel told reporters after the meeting; "The home minister assured that this government will do everything possible to combat the threat of terrorism."

The proposed South Asian anti-terror body was included in the ruling Awami League's election manifesto.

A British Airways flight carrying Boucher touched down at Zia International Airport at around 7am, with US embassy officials welcoming him at the airport.

Boucher is expected to meet BNP chairperson and leader of the opposition Khaleda Zia at the latter's Gulshan office at around 6pm.

He is expected to call on prime minister Sheikh Hasina at around 3pm on Sunday.

Boucher is also scheduled to meet with foreign minister Dipu Moni, state minister for foreign affairs Hasan Mahmood on Sunday.

The assistant secretary, who last visited Bangladesh in May 2007, wraps up his Bangladesh trip on Sunday night.

His current visit is viewed as significant in the light of ongoing discussions on a proposed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with the United States.