DHAKA, May 16, 2022 (BSS) - Bangladesh has strongly condemned the 'heinous' assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh, a correspondent of Al-Jazeera, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).

 "Bangladesh believes that the Israeli occupation forces' attack on Abu Akleh, who was on duty reporting facts and documenting crimes committed against the Palestinian people, occurred in the context of Israeli violations of press and media freedom to silence the demand of self-determination", said a foreign ministry statement received here today. 

This constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws and norms, and thus warrants an immediate investigation and accountability for those responsible, it added.

Furthermore, Bangladesh denounces the use of force and blatant display of disrespect by Israeli Police against the mourners attending Abu Akleh's funeral procession in East Jerusalem.

Allowing mourners to grieve and pray for the departed soul without harassment and humiliation is the bare minimum of human decency expected, the statement said.

It said Bangladesh underscores that the occupying power is fully accountable for the heinous crime of assassinating Abu Akleh. 

The international community needs to take immediate action to ensure justice, and should compel Israel to provide necessary protection for journalists and media professionals working in the OPT, it added. 
 
The foreign ministry said Bangladesh also reiterates its firm conviction that the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as the Capital of the State of Palestine, is the only pathway for establishing lasting peace in the Middle East.