"On behalf of EU, we expressed our deep concern to the Bangladesh government on the August 17 bombings. I think it is now understood that the important thing was not the casualty but the strategic threat we all are facing from terrorism," he told reporters after a meeting with Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan at his office.

Choudhury said the capability demonstrated through the August 17 blasts was "intimidating and frightening."

He said: "We're assured that the government grips the situation and is taking every action to arrest those responsible. We want to see (that) the action taken is sustained to conclusion as the fighting against terrorism is not a one-day fight."

He however declined to comment when asked if the bombings bear any international links.

To another query, he said Britain always stands beside Bangladesh and "we will do (whatever is) in our power to help Bangladesh. We will assist in any way we can" to help investigate the blasts.

The envoy said he hopes people irrespective of politics would unite in opposition to terrorism.

Choudhury said he had also sought Bangladesh's support in condemning international terrorism at the forthcoming UNGA, UN reforms and peace-building efforts.

Representatives of EU delegation and Italian Embassy in Dhaka accompanied Choudhury during the meeting.

Later, talking to the reporters, the Foreign Minister Morshed Khan said the EU has appreciated the government's actions in response to the blasts and the prime minister's appeal to all to fight unitedly against terrorism.

Besides, the EU sought support to a UN convention on "carrying nuclear material," which, he said, would be initialed by Bangladesh in due course of time.

Asked about foreign assistance in investigation of the blasts, the foreign minister said whatever assistance is required is being taken care of by the concerned departments.

CALL ON PRIME MINISTER
British high commissioner yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her office and reiterated UK's solidarity with Bangladesh in combating terrorism.

Anwar Choudhury expressed sympathy for the victims of the August 17 bomb explosions in Bangladesh.

Ensuing UN Summit, cooperation of the two countries in the UN, the peacekeeping role of Bangladesh under UN umbrella, and the proposed UN Peace Building Commission were discussed at the meeting.

Besides, trade bilateral issues and the British government's support for expansion of English in Bangladeshi schools came up for discussion at the meeting.