Religious affairs minister contacts group leader, ensures accommodation and medical support for affected Bangladeshis
DHAKA, October 11: Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad has strongly condemned the attack at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assured necessary assistance to injured Bangladeshis and affected Umrah pilgrims.
The minister spoke with Mohammad Ali Kashemi, the group leader responsible for the affected pilgrims, to enquire about the condition of the injured and emphasise the need for proper medical treatment, security and other necessary assistance, according to a press release from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
He also helped arrange safe accommodation for the affected pilgrims last night.
Under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and other relevant government agencies have been instructed to monitor the situation round the clock and take necessary measures to ensure the safety, medical care and accommodation of Bangladeshi nationals and Umrah pilgrims currently in Saudi Arabia.
The government is also coordinating with relevant Saudi authorities to ensure the safe movement of the affected pilgrims and enable them to complete their religious obligations and return home without unnecessary hardship, the release said.
“Any attack on the guests of Allah is wholly unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Kaikobad said in a statement, extending condolences to the families of those killed and assuring the injured of necessary medical care and other support.
The minister said Bangladesh strongly condemned the incident and called on Muslim-majority countries and the wider Muslim world to stand united against violence.
Describing Saudi Arabia as a place of profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide, he said the kingdom's peace, security and stability were of paramount importance to the Muslim Ummah.
He also expressed appreciation to the Saudi government and relevant authorities for their prompt measures to provide medical assistance, safe accommodation and security to the affected pilgrims.
Kaikobad reaffirmed Bangladesh's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, expressing confidence that the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries would continue to strengthen.
The ministry said it was maintaining continuous communication with the relevant Saudi authorities and closely monitoring the situation of other Bangladeshi nationals and Umrah pilgrims in the kingdom.
