NZ mosque attack: Bangladesh mission in contact with authorities

Following the gruesome terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch on Friday, Bangladesh high commission in Canberra has intensely engaged with the New Zealand authorities for safety of members of Bangladesh diaspora and early safe exit of the Bangladesh national cricket team from New Zealand, reports UNB.

There are reports of death of three Bangladeshis among 49 and a few are critically injured, said the foreign ministry in a statement.

"We still await details of them from the New Zealand security officials and hospital authorities officially," reads the statement.

The two attacks were made on Masjid Al Noor and Deans Avenue Mosque during Friday prayers.

The incident had happened minutes before the Bangladesh cricket team arrived at the mosque.

The team members are safe at hotel, though traumatised. New Zealand police has assigned dedicated security personnel for the team.

New Zealand Cricket, in consultation with Bangladesh Cricket Board, is making arrangement for their safe exit early.

Meanwhile, the cricketers will return home from New Zealand on Saturday night, said team manager Khaled Masud Pilot.

The high commission directly and through the honorary consul of Bangladesh in Auckland disseminated message to the Bangladeshis and diaspora living in New Zealand in general and Christchurch in particular to remain calm, be indoor, avoid places of congregation and to obey the instructions of the law enforcers.

The honorary consul of Bangladesh Shafiqur Rahman will arrive at Christchurch on Saturday morning to extend support to the Bangladeshi victims.

He may be contacted at his mobile phone number at +64 21024 65819.

Deputy high commissioner Tareq Ahmed along with a Consular officer of the high commission will also proceed to Christchurch at the earliest possible time on Saturday to provide all kinds of support.

Ahmed may be contacted at his mobile phone number at +61 450 657 046.

Additionally, all the diplomats at Bangladesh High Commission, Canberra are available round the clock for information and assistance.

Two additional numbers for emergency contact are +61 424 472544, +61 450173035.