Several foreign missions in Bangladesh have condemned the bomb attack on Shia Muslims’ gathering to observe Ashura in the capital in the wee hours of Saturday.
The attack killed one person and injured nearly 60 when the Shia devotees were about to bring out a procession from the Hussaini Dalan in Old Dhaka.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Pierre Mayaudon strongly condemned the attack on the Shia community gathering, said a press release issued by the EU Embassy yesterday.
He conveyed his condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed his sympathy to all victims.
The EU ambassador said he was confident that Bangladesh would respond with the highest sense of unity to this unprecedented act of violence.
He urged all relevant authorities to ensure thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice.
US Ambassador Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat said: “I am shocked by the senseless attack on a Shia Ashura gathering outside Old Dhaka, and offer my deepest condolences to the victims and their families.
“Bangladesh has a long tradition of religious tolerance and communal harmony. We stand with the Bangladeshi people and the Bangladesh government in these critical moments,” she said.
British High Commissioner Robert Gibson termed the attack as horrific and unacceptable.
“Horrified at attack on#shia #Ashura procession. Such violence and intolerance is not acceptable. My sympathies to those affected,” he tweeted on Saturday.
Canada also expressed sadness and extended its support for religious freedom.
“The High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh is saddened to hear about the attack on a Shia Muslim Ashura gathering outside Old Dhaka, and would like to express deep condolences to the affected and their families. Canada supports religious freedom.
“The High Commission of Canada extends best wishes to the Shia community in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of Muharram.”
Meanwhile, The UK has updated its travel advice for its citizens following the bomb attack.
“A bomb attack on a large gathering by the Shia community in the Old City of Dhaka occurred early in the morning of Saturday 24 October. One person is reported killed and many injured,” said the updated travel advice.
Australia kept its travel alert at the previous level of “exercise high degree of caution” for its citizens in Bangladesh.
“On 24 October, several homemade explosive devices were thrown into a large Shia gathering in Old Dhaka, causing one fatality and injuring many,” said the Australian advice issued on Saturday.
“The level of advice has not changed. You should exercise a high degree of caution in Bangladesh.”
