Gulshan massacre draws huge condemnation

Foreign countries and their missions in Dhaka, leaders of journalists' associations and political leaders yesterday and on Saturday stoutly denounced the barbaric terrorist attack on a café in the capital's posh Gulshan area on Friday, which left 28 people dead, including 20 hostages, most of whom were foreign nationals.

They also extend condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of all the victims.

CANADA

The Canadian government issued a statement yesterday in connection with the incident, denouncing the heinous attack and assuring the Bangladesh government of extending all-out support to fight terrorism.

"We condemn this attack in the strongest terms," Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka Benoît-Pierre Laramée said in the statement, adding that Canada has stood with Bangladesh for over 40 years, supporting its development.

"The Government of Canada expresses its deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the victims, including the brave officers of the Bangladesh security forces," he added.

DENMARK

"I strongly condemn the terror attack on innocent civilians that took place at a restaurant in Dhaka Friday night, where terrorists killed 20 people," Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen said in a statement yesterday, reports UNB.

The minister said such meaningless violence was completely unacceptable and must be fought.

"Our strongest response is to stay united and not let our democracy, liberty and way of life fall into fear and despair," mentioned Jensen, adding, "I express my deepest compassion for the victims and their bereaved [family members]. They are in my thoughts."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy in Dhaka are in close contact with the Bangladeshi authorities and they are monitoring the situation closely, he further said.

SWITZERLAND

Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Christian Fotsch also denounced the brutal act and simultaneously underlined the need for taking proper measures to eradicate militancy.

He said, "The recent series of attacks witnessed in this beautiful country is an aberration from that tradition which is strongly held by a vast majority of the Bangladeshis. Appropriate measures are to be taken to prevent the spread of violent extremism and to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice," reports our diplomatic correspondent.

"The people of Bangladesh are admired for their hospitality extended to foreigners and for preserving their tolerant and secular heritage – values which Switzerland shares very much," added the ambassador.

INDIA 

Saying that Indian high-ups and people of India expressed solidarity with the brothers and sisters in Bangladesh, Indian High Commissioner to Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Saturday said India would continue to stand by Bangladesh as it had done in the past, reports UNB.

 "It is very, very unfortunate…we are very sorry and saddened," the high commissioner, who flew back to Dhaka from Delhi told the reporters in the city.

He mentioned that whatever assistance they can give Bangladesh in its fight against terrorism is for the common fight. "Your fight is our fight," added Shringla.

BHUTAN

Former King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck expressed deep shock at the casualties in the terrorist attack.

Jigme Singye, father of the present King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, expressed the shock when Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid made a call on the king at Raven House there yesterday, reports BSS.

The former king also extended thanks to the law-enforcement personnel who acted to end the hostage crisis.

SPEAKER'S CONDEMNATION

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday mourned the victims of the militant attack and paid her tribute to the innocent people, adds BSS.

"I am deeply shocked and concerned… I strongly protest this heinous attack on innocent locals and foreign nationals," she said in a condolence message.

"It is an unpardonable offense to hold innocent citizens hostage and kill them…," she added.

JOURNALISTS DEMAND TRIAL OF THE KILLERS

Leaders of a faction of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) yesterday demanded arrest of the people who masterminded the attack.

"Family members of those black sheep who carried out the heinous attacks to tarnish the image of the country, should also be interrogated," said the leaders.

They made the call from a human chain formed in front of Jatiya Press Club.

BFUJ Secretary General Omar Faruque presided over the programme.

HOUSING AND PUBLIC WORKS MINISTER'S CALL 

Housing and Public Works Minister Mosharraf Hossain yesterday said unity of people was more essential than political unity to eradicate militancy from the country, reports our staff correspondent in Chittagong.

He was addressing a rally on the Chittagong Press Club premises jointly organised by Chittagong city and north and south district units of Awami League, protesting the attack.

On Friday night, 20 hostages -- nine Italians, seven Japanese, one Indian, one Bangladeshi American and two Bangladeshis -- were killed in the attack.

Besides, two senior police officers were killed as they tried to launch a rescue campaign soon after the gunmen swooped on the restaurant and started shooting and hurling bombs.

However, six terrorists were killed and one was held in the army-led rescue operation.

Thirteen hostages including women and children were also rescued during the operation.