Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) has condemned the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and pledged assistance for affected Bangladeshi nationals and Umrah pilgrims.
Expressing sorrow, concern and indignation over the deaths and injuries, the minister stressed the need to ensure medical treatment, security and accommodation for those affected, according to the press release.
Kaikobad spoke with Mohammad Ali Kashemi, the group leader responsible for the affected Umrah pilgrims, and enquired about the condition of the injured.
He emphasised proper medical care and necessary assistance for injured Bangladeshis. The minister also extended support to help arrange safe accommodation for the affected pilgrims.
Kaikobad said Saudi Arabia held a sacred place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide as the home of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and the blessed Rawdah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madinah.
He said Saudi Arabia’s security, peace and stability were of paramount importance to the Muslim community worldwide, which would not accept or tolerate attacks against the country.
The minister called on Muslim-majority countries and the wider Muslim world to condemn such attacks unequivocally and stand united against violence.
He said Bangladesh strongly condemned the incident and stressed that protecting pilgrims travelling to the holy sites was essential. Violence endangering innocent people and Umrah pilgrims was unacceptable, he added.
Kaikobad said the Ministry of Religious Affairs, other relevant ministries and government agencies had been instructed, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives, to monitor the situation around the clock and take necessary measures.
He said the government was giving the highest priority to the safety, medical care, accommodation and smooth travel of Bangladeshi nationals and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Coordination with the relevant authorities was continuing to prevent unnecessary hardship and help pilgrims complete their Umrah safely and return home, he added.
“Any attack on the guests of Allah is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We strongly condemn this barbaric attack and extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The Government of Bangladesh stands firmly beside the bereaved families and will provide all necessary assistance, including medical care and other support for the injured,” the minister said.
He said continuous communication was being maintained with the Saudi authorities as the situation developed.
Alongside efforts to secure medical treatment and protection for injured Bangladeshis, the authorities were monitoring the circumstances of other Bangladeshi nationals and Umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Kaikobad thanked the Saudi government and relevant authorities for their prompt measures to provide medical assistance, safe accommodation and security for pilgrims.
He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for Saudi Arabia and its people and expressed confidence that the longstanding fraternal ties, mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries would continue to strengthen.
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