German embassy deplores attack on its citizen

The German embassy in Dhaka yesterday denounced the attack on a German citizen, an internationally-acclaimed architect, in the capital's Gabtoli during Sunday's road blockade enforced by the BNP-led 18-party alliance.
The embassy protested the attack in a letter sent to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
It also reported the incident to the foreign ministry, said a press release of the embassy.
It said a group of about 15 hooligans carrying BNP symbols attacked the car of Ms Anna Heringer, who is now on an official visit to Bangladesh sponsored by the German development agency GIZ, in Gabtoli Market area around 7:30am on Sunday on her way back to Dhaka from a field-trip.
They stopped the car, destroyed all of its windows and dragged the driver out of the vehicle, the statement added.
“Fearing for her life, Ms Heringer jumped out of the car and managed to abscond. Her driver was badly beaten up by the mob and is now suffering from severe head injuries. The car, donated by the German government, was set on fire.”
The release said Heringer, who has won Aga Khan Prize for Architecture and the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture, has dedicated much time and effort to assist Bangladesh on its way out of poverty over many years. “She has been a strong advocate of the people of Bangladesh in Germany.”