By IANS,
New Delhi : India Monday expressed shock at the killing of over 100 people in the course of a mutiny by soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and condemned the “barbaric acts” aimed at destabilising a democratically elected government.
In his letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee also backed “a democratic, stable government” in Dhaka and offered support and assistance at “this hour of difficulty”.
Expressing “great shock at the tragedy that had unfolded over the last few days in Bangladesh”, Mukherjee conveyed “deepest condolences” of the Indian government and people to the Bangladesh Army and the families of those who lost their near and dear ones.
“(The minister) noted that such barbaric acts had no place in a civilised society,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash told reporters.
“He unequivocally condemned the same, as also all efforts aimed at destablising a democratically elected government. He expressed solidarity with the prime minister of Bangladesh and her government in this hour of difficulty,” the spokesperson said.
In his letter, Mukherjee underlined that India was “ready to extend whatever support and assistance that Bangladesh may require at this juncture.
“As a close and friendly neighbour of Bangladesh, India wishes to see a democratic, stable and prosperous Bangladesh,” Mukherjee wrote, according to the spokesperson.
Sheikh Hasina has sought help from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to probe the mutiny in the BDR. The Bangladesh police has charged around 1,000 BDR soldiers with arson and murder.