"It is not only me, but all the citizens in the country today are insecure due to continued bomb blasts," said Thomas responding to a question if he was not afraid of going out of Dhaka for visits to Sylhet, Chittagong, Rajshahi and elsewhere.

During a visit to Presidency University in the capital, the envoy said US and the international community are sincerely trying to work out how to combat terrorist activities in Bangladesh.

"Sitting back in the office is not enough to understand a society, its people and their culture. Rather, I must understand the way of their life if I really want to cooperate with them in their journey to development," Thomas said.

Appreciating the curriculum and academic activities of Presidency University, he said the future of Bangladesh depends on quality education and training of its future leaders.

Bangladeshis have not only the will but also the capacity to grow and develop, he said. Incorporating values in the highly professional excellence in education policy and its implementation can build a nation powerful and self-dependent, he observed.

Responding to another query, Thomas said the main problem facing the education sector of the developing countries is political instability. He believes Bangladesh can achieve an international standard in education through its political will.

Refuting an allegation of decreasing the issuance of visa for Bangladeshi students after the Twin Tower attack, the ambassador said they increased student visa by 62 per cent this year compared to last year's.

He however said the US visa office considers the totality of the students -- their quality, financial status and the probability of their returning home. He pointed out many students do not return home.

Rokia Afzal Rahman, chairman of Presidency University Foundation, said the curriculum of the university has been designed not only for professional purpose, but also to instil values of life that play a significant role in nation building.

"Our goal is to prepare the students in such a way that they can face any challenges in the changed scenario of the world," Rokia emphasised.

Presidency University has academic collaboration with some of the best technology and management institutes in India and US, she mentioned.

Prof M A Baqui Khalily, pro vice-chancellor of the university, said the university gives 10 per cent tuition fee waiver to all female students and has provision for more waiver to students on the basis of their needs and merit.