BD expats in UK link with coup attempt to be punished Syed Anas Pasha London Correspondent banglanews24.com LONDON: Britain will take appropriate action against Bangladeshi expatriates living in UK if found any linkage with failed coup attempt aiming to oust Bangladesh government   for the national security interest. Alistair Burt, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs came up with declaration on Monday in response to a question by Jim Fitz Patrick in British parliament. Jim Fitz Patrick asked to Alistair Burt, “What assessment he has made of the implications for security in the UK of links between Bangladeshi citizens in the UK and those responsible for the attempted military coup in Bangladesh.” In reply, Alistair Burt said, the Bangladesh Army, on 19 January, announced an ongoing investigation into a small number of individuals suspected of involvement in an attempted coup plot. “The British High Commission in Dhaka is following developments closely. Should the investigation identify any link between those responsible and Bangladeshi citizens in the UK,” Alistair Burt added. Mr. Burt also said, “The British Government will take appropriate action in line with national security interest and relevant legal and policy commitments.” After unveiling the failed coup attempt, Britain expressed strong support to democracy of Bangladesh and its democratic institutions. Earlier in response to query of British thinking about failed coup attempt in BD, Foreign & Commonwealth affairs Minister Aliestair Burt opined that Britain does not condone or support unconstitutional action or any attempts to seize power by force. It thinks evil-effort to oust a democratic government by coup conspiracy or any other measures is an unforgivable offense. Burt added, “Constructive dialogue and strong independent and accountable institutions can ensure a healthy and sustainable democracy in Bangladesh,” But, the minister did not comment about action against Bangladeshi citizens in the UK if anybody had linked with those responsible for the attempted military coup in Bangladesh. Britain’s security also was not raised following the incident. Few days earlier, an Early Day Motion (EDM) titled ‘Bangladesh, democracy and the rule of law’ was tabled in the British Parliament over the recent failed army coup in Bangladesh. Liberal Democratic Party MP John Hemming placed the EDM before the parliament to reinforce the British government to be active about the failed coup in Bangladesh to toppling the democratic government and keeping continue the democracy and rule of law. BDST: 1050 HRS, FEB 24, 2012 Link to Article