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Sonia, Advani, Rocca express concern

Envoys, diplomats condemn attack

Staff Correspondent
Congress of India Chair Sonia Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Shabha of India L K Advani and US Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca yesterday phoned to Awami League President Sheikh Hasina expressing concern over Saturday's grenade and gun attacks on her and her party's rally in the city.
They condemned the dastardly act that so far have killed at least 19 and wounded over 200, and offered deepest condolence to all those who lost loved ones, friends and colleagues, and wished every injured person a complete and speedy recovery.
The US, European and Indian
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envoys in Dhaka also condemned and expressed profo und concern over Saturday's deadly attack apparently assassinate the opposition leader and her colleagues.
US EMBASSY
A US embassy statement said, "We condemn this blatant and reckless act of political terrorism."
It said democracy and the future of Bangladesh would have suffered a terrible blow if this audacious commando-style assault had succeeded in eliminating the leadership of the main opposition political party.
The US embassy called upon the government to promptly bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous crime and to demonstrate clearly its commitment to providing a free and secure environment for constitutionally protected political activity.
"Yesterday's assault is unfortunately only the latest and the most alarming in a series of incidents in 2004 attacking basic human rights in Bangladesh," the statement observed.
"During this difficult time we urge all Bangladeshis to exercise maximum restraint and to act only in a peaceful and lawful manner fully consistent with the best traditions of democracy in Bangladesh," it added.
The US embassy extended the deepest condolence to all the bereaved families, friends and colleagues.
EUROPEAN DIPLOMATS
Head of Delegation of the European Commission in Bangladesh Ambassador Esko Kentrschynskyj yesterday strongly condemned the grenade attack and offered his deepest condolence to the bereaved families.
A joint statement of European diplomats in Dhaka urged the Bangladesh government to thoroughly investigate the attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
They also called for providing adequate protection to the opposition leaders.
ENVOYS VISIT HASINA
US Ambassador Harry K Thomas and
Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri yesterday visited Hasina at her Dhanmondi residence, Sudha Sadan, and expressed deep sympathy over the loss of lives in Saturday's deadly attack.
During their separate visits, they strongly condemned the attack and offered sincerest condolence to the families who have lost their dear ones in it.
Thomas enquired about the security arrangements taken by police for Hasina's rally on Saturday, police security measures for rallies in normal time as well as what the government did following the attack.
Thomas expressed the hope that the people responsible for the barbaric act would be identified and tried.
Later, briefing newsmen, Hasina's Political Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury said the US envoy had come to express sympathies, both personal and on behalf of the US government.
During a 30-minute meeting with the opposition leader, Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri termed Saturday's grenade attack unexpected in a democracy.
On whether her government would help Bangladesh in probing the bomb blasts, Sikri told newsmen after the meeting that they would see if Bangladesh government makes the move.