India. European Union and lapan have expressed deep shock at the brutal killings at Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) Headquarters.

In separate statements yesterday, they condemned the incident and assured the government and the people of Bangladesh their support at this difficult time.

Terming the mutiny at BDR Headquarters an attempt to destabilise the Sheikh Hasina government. India has expressed solidarity with her dispensation and conveyed readiness to extend whatever support and assistance Dhaka may require at the present juncture.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee wrote to the prime minister expressing “great shock” at the tragedy that has unfolded over the last few days.

In the letter, Mukherjee noted that "such barbaric acts (mutiny by BDR men) had no

place in a civilised society," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said.

Meanwhile, EU in a statement expressed deep shock and conveyed its deepest sympathies to all those who have suffered as consequences of this tragedy, including members of the armed forces, their families and civilians.

The EU also assured the government and people of Bangladesh of its steadfast support.

The Embassy of Japan in Dhaka in a separate message condoled the death of the army officers at BDR Headquarters.

Our staff correspondent adds: Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdullah Bin Naser Al Busairi and Pakistani High Commissioner Alamgir Bashar Khan Babar in separate meetings with Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni have hailed die steps taken by the government to address the

crisis caused by the barbaric killings at the BDR Headquarters.

Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in facing the crisis, they said the government advanced with the highest caution to prevent more lossof lives.

Condoling the death of the army officers, Babar said the government has proved its highest sincerity in facing this crisis.

The role of the media was also very important, he added.

fhe Saudi ambassador said that apart from the BDR issue, he discussed with the foreign minister about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ensuing visit to Saudi Arabia.

Hasina would hold a meeting with the Saudi King on March 8, he added.

He also said that she will also perform holy Umrah during her Saudi Arabia visit.