Dhaka  - A visiting British minister said Bangladesh had not been able to uproot terrorism from the country and needed external support to wipe out religious militancy, officials said Wednesday.

British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith held talks with Bangladeshi government leaders including Home Affairs adviser M A Matin focusing on cooperation between Britain and Bangladesh on counter terrorism campaigns.

Smith assured British support to Bangladesh's efforts to eliminate religious extremism in the Muslim country.

At a joint media briefing, Smith and Matin confirmed their contributions to the global war on terror.

Bangladesh is viewed as a moderate country with a tolerant approach to international issues.(dpa)