DHAKA, July 6 -- Bangladesh's Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Rtd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has reportedly dismissed claims that the recent deportation of suspected extremists from Malaysia indicated the presence of terrorist activity in the country.

Speaking to reporters today, Chowdhury insisted there was no evidence of militant operations within Bangladesh - alleging that any such allegations could be used to apply external pressure or stigmatise the country.

"There is no militant activity in Bangladesh. With your cooperation, we've rooted out militancy," he was quoted saying by Dhaka-based broadsheet The Daily Star.

Chowdhury said Malaysia's claim of a radical militant movement was still being verified, and that no official communicati...