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BANGLADESH-REAX-SHOOTING
Dhaka condemns New Zealand mosques shooting
DHAKA, March 15, 2019 (BSS) – Bangladesh today strongly condemned the shooting at two mosques in Christchurch of New Zealand, reiterating its steadfast commitment against terrorism.
President M Abdul Hamid in a message said, “We are deeply shocked to learn about the shooting incidents at two mosques in Christchurch of New Zealand. We strongly condemn this heinous act of terrorism.”
The head of the state expressed his heartfelt condolence at the loss of lives and prayed for early recovery of the injured ones, the message added.
“We are deeply shocked to learn about the shooting incidents at two mosques in Christchurch of New Zealand. We strongly condemn this dastardly act of terrorism,” Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a message to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern soon after the attacks.
The premier said Bangladesh remains steadfast in its commitment against terrorism of all forms and manifestations and maintain ‘zero tolerance’ policy against all kinds of terrorist activities.
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh will continue to work and cooperate with the international community including New Zealand to root out the menace of terrorism.
“On behalf of the people and the government of Bangladesh, and on my own behalf, let me convey our heartfelt condolences for the loss of lives at the incident,” she said.
“We stand by the people and the government of New Zealand and our thoughts and prayers are for speedy recovery of those who got injured,” she added.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen in a message, written to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon. Winston Peters, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the tragic shooting incidents causing heavy casualties, including lives of persons of Bangladesh origin.
Terming the incidents as “gruesome and barbaric”, the Bangladesh foreign minister condemned the attacks on the innocent civilian people at the places of worship.
Momen requested the government of New Zealand to take all possible measures for the safety of Bangladesh diaspora in New Zealand.
He also gave assurance to stand by the people and the government of New Zealand at this tragic hour.
The foreign minister also said Bangladesh maintains a “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
“We firmly believe that such mindless acts of violence must be dealt with the strongest possible measures to prevent its recurrence,” he said.
Media reports said the shooting at two crowded mosques during Friday prayers in Christchurch left at least 49 dead and scores others injured.
Forty-one of those slain were at the Masjid al Noor in central Christchurch, police said, adding seven more were killed at the Linwood Ave mosque, three of them outside the building.
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