Govt to brief diplomats today
Intl condemnation
keeps pouring in
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
The government will brief foreign diplomats today on the situation evolved after the terror attack on a Gulshan restaurant on Friday that saw the deaths of 28 people, including 17 foreigners. Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali will conduct the briefing at the state guest house Padma at 11am, which will be attended by the heads of all diplomatic missions and international organisations stationed in Bangladesh, a top foreign ministry official told The Independent yesterday. The foreign minister will apprise the diplomats of the situation and measures taken by the government following the incident, the official said, adding that he would also reply to any queries of the attending diplomats. Replying to a question, the official said that security has already been further enhanced in the diplomatic area following the incident. Meanwhile, international condemnation and condolences continued to pour in as the two-day mourning in memory of the victims ended yesterday.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Iyad Ameen Madani telephoned Foreign Minister Ali on Sunday evening to express his sympathies and OIC support to Bangladesh in fight against terrorism in the aftermath of the terror attack, said a foreign ministry press release.
The OIC secretary general conveyed that he wanted to come to Bangladesh at a convenient date to express his solidarity with the people and government of Bangladesh. He reiterated OICs firm position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called again for concerted collective international efforts to defeat this menace against humanity.
Pakistan, Iran, Australia and Brazil also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed solidarity with Bangladesh. Pakistan condemns the senseless terrorist attack in Dhaka that has led to the loss of precious lives and injuries to many innocent people, said a statement issued by the Pakistan foreign ministry.
Pakistan stands in solidarity with the brotherly people of Bangladesh and is confident that the Government of Bangladesh will effectively counter this cowardly attack, it said. Pakistan reiterates its condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, it added.
Iran condemned the terrorist attack in Dhaka, and expressed condolences to the Bangladeshi nation and government and sympathised with the families who lost their loved ones. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Sunday called on the international community to listen to the peace seeking voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the serious campaign against terrorism and extremism. We join the people of Bangladesh and the international community in strongly condemning the violent acts of terrorism in Dhaka, said a statement issued by the Australian high commission in Dhaka. Terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, it said. We stand ready to support Bangladesh in its efforts to counter violent extremism and eradicate the scourge of terrorism, it added.
The Brazilian Government condemns vehemently this violent act and supports Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism, said Wanja Campos da Nbrega, Brazilian Ambassador in Dhaka, in a statement.
