Mayhem in Paris

We are shocked and appalled by the synchronised terrorist attacks in multiple locations in Paris on Friday that have left at least 128 people dead (till going to press) and countless more injured. Gunmen, reportedly, burst into the Bataclan concert hall and opened fire on the audience, while gunshots and explosions took place at five other sites across the city, including a stadium where France and Germany were playing a friendly football match. Only a day earlier, two suicide bombers killed at least 43 people and wounded more than 200 others in what was the deadliest bombing in Beirut since the civil war ended 25 years ago. We condemn these attacks on civilians in the name of religion, and express our condolences for the grieving families and the people of France and Lebanon.

These attacks highlight, once again, that terrorism is a global phenomenon necessitating a global, coordinated response to eradicate extremisms of all forms brewing in different parts of the world. An attack on Paris is, indeed, an attack on our ideals of liberty, democracy and tolerance, and the international community must act with urgency.

Bangladesh has consistently taken a zero tolerance stance on terrorism, with the Prime Minister reiterating the importance of global unity to combat the barbarous forces in all their manifestations that are committed to wanton violence. We are confident that Bangladesh will continue to play an effective role in fighting the global menace in all its manifestations, both within and outside of its borders.