DHAKA, July 8, 2022 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed deep shock and sorrow at former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s assassination calling his sudden demise a great loss for Japan and the world beyond.

 
   "The People of Bangladesh join me in standing by the side of the mourning people of Japan at this time of most unexpected misfortune," she said in a letter addressed to Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio.
 
   Sheikh Hasina noted that the passing away of a statesman like Abe was not only a loss for Japan but also for the entire world because of his “leadership thought, vision, and wisdom”.
 
   "At this time of great distress, we recollect with deepest gratitude his immense contributions to elevating the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Japan to a new comprehensive partnership during his tenure as the Prime Minister of Japan," she said.

   Sheikh Hasina extended her deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies at Abe’s most tragic demise on behalf of Bangladesh’s people, government and on her own behalf.
 
   "We offer our prayers for the courage and fortitude of the bereaved friendly people of Japan and family members of late Shinzo Abe," she wrote.

   Abe succumbed to his wounds hours after a grisly gun attack earlier today.