The National Council today discussed the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crimes and Illicit Drug Trafficking. The convention, if ratified, will facilitate and strengthen collaboration and sharing of information amongst the member states.
There are seven member states.
The Social and Cultural Affairs Committee presented that the ratification of the convention will indicate Bhutan’s support and commitment in combating international terrorism, transnational organized crimes and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“When other six member states have ratified the convention and if the house does not ratify, they would think that Bhutan does not support combating international terrorism, transnational organized crimes and illicit drug trafficking. Moreover, it also shows that the country does not support the member state’s relation. These are the committee’s finding,” said Ugyen Namgay, the Chairperson of Social and Cultural Affairs Committee of the National Council.
“Bhutan as the member of Asia Pacific Group on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism is reviewed regularly for compliance with international standard related to Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. The ratification will strengthen national mechanism and improve Bhutan’s rating during the review,” added Lhaki Dolma, the Dy. Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee.
However, the Dy. Chairperson also shared the committee’s reservation.
“Following the entry into force of the convention, Bhutan will start receiving requests for information exchange. And lack of expertise and capacity with the government to deal with such issues will be a challenge. But the Home Minister said that the government will work on building human resources,” she said.
The Chhukha’s member of parliament in the council, Sangay Dorji also shared his concern in ratifying the convention. “Because of the convention, when we exchange information, the illegal activities and minor drug trafficking in the country could be seen as a major crime. I think this could affect the country’s image,” he shared.
BIMSTEC Summit declaration in New Delhi in 2004 saw member states vowing to not allow their territory to be used by terrorist groups for launching attacks against friendly governments. The members finalised the BIMSTEC Convention on combating international terrorism, transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking during the 2008 BIMSTEC Summit. Bhutan will be the last country to ratify the convention.
Tshering Zam/Sangay Chezom/Kinzang Lhadon
